Hansel and Gretel (1963 film) the sets but nevertheless called it "an extremely agreeable 90 minutes of tuneful make-believe" Hansel and Gretel (1963 film) Hansel and Gretel is a 1963 Australian TV adaptation of the opera "Hansel and Gretel" by Engelbert Humperdinck. It screened as an episode of "Wednesday Theatre" in 1966. It was an early role for Jackie Weaver who played Gretel and was aged 16; she had just appeared as Cinderella in a pantomime at Philip Street. Brian Gilbert, who played Hansel, was 13. The show was recorded during the visit to Australia of Australian conductor Charles Mackerras. He consducted the Sydney Symphony
Hansel and Gretel: An Opera Fantasy is among the productions documented through correspondence, contracts, financial records, promotional materials, reviews, and scripts. RKO heavily promoted the film in time for the 1954 Christmas season. There was $10 million worth of tie-ins, including candy, clothing, figurines and toys. The film has been released on VHS, CED videodisc, and DVD. The VHS and CED videodiscs contain the original title. The DVD was released on October 30, 2001 with the modified title of "Hansel and Gretel: An Opera Fantasy". An LP of the film's soundtrack was released in 1955 under the label "X" RCA, in 1959 under the label RCA