In this cute puppetry animation, made about a year before East Germany vanished as a country, we have an old peasant who has three daughters, a chicken, and a pear tree - and the obligation to deliver three baskets full of pears to his king each year. Alas, the harvest fills little more than two baskets, so he tries to stuff the third with a daughter, which finally succeeds with the youngest. (Who in his right mind would think up such a story? The title declares it is based on an Italian fairy tale.) The goods are delivered, pears taste good, the girl is of course detected. The young prince takes a liking and wants to marry her. The king explains that according to fairy tale rules, she has to pass three tests and bring him a treasure chest, being equipped with a broom, two loaves of bread, and a pot of lard.
The girl sets out on her way, accompanied by a mischievous crow, makes friends by handing out her equipment, finally obtains the chest and returns in triumph. Except.. the king won't consent in his boy's marriage, and asks her to pick some other prize. She chooses a garbage basket "with all its contents", to which the king agrees. Of course, the boy hides in the basket, and is thus part of her prize. And though it's not said, they possibly lived happily ever after :) This refreshing short comes as bonus on the Icestorm DVD of Froschkönig which in turn came with yesterday's SuperIllu magazine. Nicely done, with many interesting visuals.
The girl sets out on her way, accompanied by a mischievous crow, makes friends by handing out her equipment, finally obtains the chest and returns in triumph. Except.. the king won't consent in his boy's marriage, and asks her to pick some other prize. She chooses a garbage basket "with all its contents", to which the king agrees. Of course, the boy hides in the basket, and is thus part of her prize. And though it's not said, they possibly lived happily ever after :) This refreshing short comes as bonus on the Icestorm DVD of Froschkönig which in turn came with yesterday's SuperIllu magazine. Nicely done, with many interesting visuals.
