Document Type
Article
Version
Final Published Version
Publication Title
Marvels & Tales: Journal of Fairy-Tale Studies
Volume
25
Publication Date
2011
Abstract
This essay examines adaptations of the Grimms' fairy tales by the East German Film Studio, die Deutsche Film-Aktiengesellschaft (DEFA). After a brief discussion of the condemnation and rehabilitation of fairy tales in the Soviet Union and GDR (German Democratic Republic), it analyzes selected fairy-tale film adaptations against their political, ideological, and cultural-historical background. This investigation shows that the conception of the films, as well as their reception, responded quickly to vacillating liberal and repressive trends and thus functioned as a barometer of cultural politics in the GDR. As children's films, these adaptations illustrate an interesting synthesis of art and politics, as well as pedagogy and entertainment.
Publisher's Statement
Copyright Wayne State University Press 2011. The published version can be found here: https://commerce.wayne.edu/wsupjournals/catalog/product/view/id/900/s/marvels-tales-volume-25-number-1-spring-2011/category/31/
Citation
Shen, Qinna 2011. Barometers of GDR Cultural Politics: Contextualizing the DEFA Grimm Adaptations. Marvels & Tales: Journal of Fairy-Tale Studies. Vol. 25, No. 1. Detroit: Wayne State University Press: 70-95.