Hansel and Gretel

Hansel and Gretel end up alone in the forest because of their stepmother's constant scolding and the poverty at home. They lose their way and come upon a house in the dark. The house is made of sweets and the old woman living there invites them in. She seems kind. Seeming is enough; by the end of the first night both children understand what they are dealing with. Len Talan's film is part of the series of fairy-tale adaptations Cannon made in the 1980s. Those were shot cheaply in Israel with songs added, and this one is a musical. Cloris Leachman plays the witch and that performance is the most memorable thing in it. David Warner plays the father. Who it's for: Anyone curious about 1980s fairy-tale adaptations, family musicals, and the Grimm stories. Who it's not for: The production quality is low and the songs are weak. The witch scenes may also frighten small children.