Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child

Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child
Intertitle
Genre	Animation Anthology
Written by	Joe Menendez Daryl G. Nickens Gordon Lewis Franklyn Ajaye Barry Douglas
Directed by	Bruce W. Smith Anthony Bell Edward Bell
Narrated by	Robert Guillaume
Composer	Stephen James Taylor
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
No. of seasons	3
No. of episodes	39 (list of episodes)
Production
Running time	30 minutes
Production companies	Hyperion Pictures Two Oceans Entertainment Group Confetti Entertainment Company
Original release
Network	HBO (Season 1 (1995)) HBO Family (Seasons 2-3 (1997, 1999-2000))
Release	March 26, 1995 (1995-03-26) – July 18, 2000 (2000-07-18)

Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child is an American anthology animated television series that premiered March 26, 1995, on HBO. Narrated by Robert Guillaume, the series aired 39 episodes from 1995 to 2000, and is currently airing on the HBO Family digital cable television channel in the United States since 1999.

Plot

Each episode details a classic fairy tale, but in the style of greatly different cultures or with feminist leanings with characters voiced by famous actors, comedians, singers, political activists, stunts, and other famous celebrities of varying cultures, backgrounds, and ethnicity.

Episodes

Season 1 (1995)

#	Title	Director	Original airdate
1	"Jack and the Beanstalk"	Bruce W. Smith	March 26, 1995 (1995-03-26)
A retelling of the tale with an African-American twist. Featuring the voices of Wayne Collins as Jack, Pauletta Washington as Jack's Mother, Harry Belafonte as the Magician, Tone Loc as the Giant, and Jackée Harry as the Giant's Wife.
2	"Little Red Riding Hood AKA Little Red Happy Coat'"	Bruce W. Smith	March 26, 1995 (1995-03-26)
Set in Ancient China, Little Red Happy Coat learns that some wolves can't be trusted when she makes a delivery to her grandmother Poa Poa. Featuring the voices of Mai Vu as Happy Coat, BD Wong as Wolf, James Hong as Baba and Mr. Sung, Amy Hill as Mama and Mrs. Oolong, Pearl Huang as Mei Li and Poa Poa, and Brian Tochi as Tailor.
3	"Hansel and Gretel AKA Hanselito and Gretelita'"	Bruce W. Smith	March 26, 1995 (1995-03-26)
The tale is told in a Latin-American setting in the heart of a rainforest. Featuring the voices of Christopher Montoya as Hanselito, Chrissy Padilla as Gretletia, Liz Torres as the Stepmother (the stepmother's first name is Delores, but her last name is so long, not even the narrator can get it right!), Cheech Marin as the father named Alberto, Rosie Perez as the Witch (known to be Suzanna from Havana), and Tito Larriva as Ricky Garbanzo.
4	"The Emperor's New Clothes"	Bruce W. Smith	April 2, 1995 (1995-04-02)
In ancient Japan, an emperor is fooled into paying two rogues named Keiji and Toshio (who are posing as tailors) to create him an outfit from the "legendary Fabric of Dreams". Featuring the voices of Gedde Watanabe as the Emperor, George Takei as Keiji, Brian Tochi as the Prince, John Wesley as the Royal Minister, Peter Jason as the Royal Treasurer, and Denice Kumagai as Toshio.
5	"Rumpelstiltskin"	Bruce W. Smith	April 9, 1995 (1995-04-09)
The tale is set in the West Indies, with an old Caribbean and Jamaican twist. Featuring the voices of Jasmine Guy as Jonae, Denzel Washington as King Omar, Robert Townsend as Rumpelstiltskin, Roscoe Lee Browne as Friar Ferdinand, Sherman Hemsley as the Miller, Rodney Kageyama as Turbaned Merchant, Denice Kumagai as Hat Merchant, and Ross Mapletoft as Royal Servant.
6	"The Frog Prince"	Bruce W. Smith	April 16, 1995 (1995-04-16)
The classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale is set in the African jungle where a princess named Ebony meets a frog that was once a prince. Featuring the voices of Sinbad as the Frog Prince, Cree Summer as Princess Ebony, Jay Kenneth Johnson as the Magician, Danny Glover as the King, LeVar Burton as The Monk, Jay Leno as Jay Frog, and Branford Marsalis as Branford Frog.
7	"Sleeping Beauty AKA Sleeping Rosita'"	Bruce W. Smith	April 23, 1995 (1995-04-23)
The tale is told with a Hispanic flavor, when a Hispanic princess named Rosita is cast into a long sleep by a wicked fairy named Evelina, and awakened by Prince Luis. Featuring the voices of Marie Barrientos as Rosita, Ricardo Montalbán as King Carlos, Lucie Arnaz as Queen Maria, Paul Rodriguez as Court Jester, Vanessa Marquez as the Six Fairies, Julia Migenes as Evelina the Wicked Fairy, Carmen Zapata as Seventh Fairy, Carlos Mencia as Poncho, Jacob Vargas as Prince Luis, and Ross Mapletoft as The Old Man.
8	"Rapunzel"	Bruce W. Smith	April 23, 1995 (1995-04-23)
The tale is told in the bayous of French Cajun Louisiana. Featuring the voices of Tisha Campbell-Martin as Rapunzel, Whoopi Goldberg as Zenobia the Hoodoo Diva, Meshach Taylor as Woodcutter, Hazelle Goodman as Woodcutter's Wife, Donald Fullilove as Friend #1, and Tico Wells as Friend #2.
9	"The Valiant Little Tailor"	Bruce W. Smith	April 23, 1995 (1995-04-23)
The classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale is set in the West African Sahel, where a height-challenged tailor named Bongo sets out to prove his worth. Featuring the voices of David Alan Grier as Bongo, James Earl Jones as King Dakkar, Mark Curry as the Giant, Dawnn Lewis as Princess Songe, Zakes Mokae as Mr. Babooska, Barry Shabaka Henley as Horrible-Looking Giant #1, Hugh Dane as Horrible-Looking Giant #2.
10	"Cinderella"	Bruce W. Smith	April 30, 1995 (1995-04-30)
The classic Cinderella tale gets a silly Latin twist. Featuring the voices of Daphne Zuniga as Cinderella, Liz Torres as Fairy Godmother, Edward James Olmos as Rey Emiliano, Jimmy Smits as Prince Felipe, and Raquel Welch as La Madrastra (Cinderella's stepmother).
11	"Beauty and the Beast"	Bruce W. Smith	May 21, 1995 (1995-05-21)
The famous fairy tale is set in Equatorial Africa as a beauty falls in love with a beast. Featuring the voices of Vanessa L. Williams as Beauty, Gregory Hines as Beast, Debbie Allen as Precious, T.C. Carson as Tree, and Paul Winfield as Beauty's Father
12	"Snow White AKA White Snow'"	Rufus Diznee	May 28, 1995 (1995-05-28)
The classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale gets a Southwestern U.S. setting with Native American characters. Featuring the voices of Elaine Bilstad as White, Jeri Arredando as Sly Fox, Graham Greene as Chief Brown Bear, Zahn McClarnon as Grey Wolf, and Buffy Sainte-Marie as the Spirit in the Mirror.
13	"The Princess and the Pea"	Bruce W. Smith	June 4, 1995 (1995-06-04)
The classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale is set in Ancient Korea, where a prince must choose a bride that will please his demanding mother, only to have her subjected to a test. Featuring the voices of Karen Lew as The Princess and Margaret Cho as The Queen.

Season 2 (1997)

#	Title	Directed by	Original air date
14	"Pinocchio AKA Pinoak'"	Edward Bell	April 13, 1997 (1997-04-13)
The classic children's tale gets set in the Barbary Coast, with Pinocchio learning to be a real boy with the help of a termite named Woody, his toymaking father Old George, and a jazz-singing fairy. Featuring the voices of Will Smith as Pinocchio, Chris Rock as Woody, Della Reese as the Blues Fairy, Barry Douglas as Redd the Foxx, Franklyn Ajaye as Sporty the Cat, Charles S. Dutton as Ol' George, Garrett Morris as Mr. Buzzard, Brenden Jefferson as Boy, and Rachel Guillaume as Girl
15	"Thumbelina"	Edward Bell	April 20, 1997 (1997-04-20)
The classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale is set in the Amazon Rain Forest in Brazil. Featuring the voices of Rosie Perez as Thumbelina, Harvey Fierstein as Mrs. Leaperman, Chita Rivera as Katy, and Antonio Sabato Jr. as Mario.
16	"Puss in Boots"	Edward Bell	April 27, 1997 (1997-04-27)
The Perrault fairy tale gets a Hawaiian setting, as a smart and mischievous cat from the Far East sets out to improve the fortunes of his new master, Kuhio. Featuring the voices of David Hyde Pierce as Puss in Boots, Dean Cain as Kuhio, Pat Morita as King Makahata, and Ming-Na Wen as Lani.
17	"The Pied Piper"	Edward Bell	May 4, 1997 (1997-05-04)
The Pied Piper teaches a lesson in keeping promises to the town of Hamelin while playing some jazz music. Featuring the voice of Wesley Snipes as the Pied Piper and the music performed by Ronnie Laws. Also featuring the voices of Samuel L. Jackson as the Mayor of Hamelin, Grant Shaud as Toadey, John Ratzenberger as Hinky, and Richard Moll as Dinky.
18	"The Twelve Dancing Princesses"	Edward Bell	May 11, 1997 (1997-05-11)
Twelve young Cuban princesses sneak out of their beds to dance each night away and a smitten soldier named Juan Carlos must find out where they go if he hopes to marry one of them (and not lose his head). Featuring the voices of Daisy Fuentes as Princess Daisy, Jon Secada as Juan Carlos, Héctor Elizondo as King, Liz Torres.
19	"The Golden Goose"	Edward Bell	May 18, 1997 (1997-05-18)
In this African-American version of the fairy tale, lovable Simpleton befriends a wisecracking old beggar who leads him to a magical golden goose and a grand adventure. Featuring the voices of Sinbad as Simpleton, Loretta Devine as Mother, Richard Lewis as The Old Beggar, James Avery as Father, Avery Brooks as King Maximus, Vanessa Bell Calloway as Princess Katusha, Heavy D as Drexal, James Hardie as Innkeeper and Farm Hand, Phil LaMarr as Magistrate and Monk, Sugar Ray Leonard as Axel, Meagan Fay as Older Sister, and Sara Rue as Younger Sister.
20	"The Little Mermaid"	Edward Bell	May 25, 1997 (1997-05-25)
In this Asian setting at a secret underwater kingdom, a teenage mermaid princess named Mija with starfish pet Nuri is allowed to see the world above the surface and falls in love with a human prince after rescuing him. She makes a deal with a sea witch that may not turn out in her favor if she doesn't win the prince's love in return. Featuring the voices of Tia Carrere as Mija, Margaret Cho as Hul Mu Ni, Amy Hill as Ming, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa as King Young-Jin, and Gedde Watanabe as Nuri.
21	"Goldilocks and the Three Bears"	Edward Bell	June 1, 1997 (1997-06-01)
In this Jamaican version of the classic, Goldilocks has golden dreadlocks and much to learn about treating people (and bears) right. Featuring the voices of Raven-Symoné as Goldilocks, Ben Vereen as Snake, Lou Rawls as Bat, Jenifer Lewis as Black Widow Spider, Tone Loc as Desmond Bear (Papa Bear), Alfre Woodard as Winsone Bear (Mama Bear), and David Alan Grier as Dudley Bear (Baby Bear).
22	"The Fisherman and His Wife"	Edward Bell	June 8, 1997 (1997-06-08)
In this version tale of how greed only begets more greed set to the music of Gypsy guitars and flamenco dancing, a simple fisherman and his wife are happy with their humble life until a magical fish named Gilbert offers them a wish. Featuring the voices of Edward James Olmos as the Fisherman, Julia Migenes as the Fisherman's Wife named Tina, and Paul Rodríguez as Gilbert.
23	"Aladdin"	Edward Bell	June 15, 1997 (1997-06-15)
This tale from the 1001 Arabian Nights takes place in Ancient China when Aladdin, a poor dreamer who longs for adventure, meets a genie who wishes to be a kung fu master and uses him to rescue a princess from a jealous sorcerer. Featuring the voices of B.D. Wong as Aladdin and the Genie, Joan Chen as Princess Jade, Pearl Huang as Aladdin's Mother, James Hong as the Emperor, Stephen Park as Dong, and George Takei as Chang.
24	"The Elves and the Shoemaker"	Edward Bell	June 22, 1997 (1997-06-22)
In the ancient Aztec empire, a humble shoemaker named Tizoc and his wife create shoes for the emperor and his devious captain of the guards. When he must make several shoes overnight or forfeit his life, he falls asleep on the job, but two elves named Coatl and Xolotl come to the rescue. Featuring the voices of Paul Rodriguez as Tizoc, Maria Conchita Alonso, Lou Diamond Phillips as Coatl, Jesse Borrego as Tanatiuh the First, Wanda de Jesus as Xochitl, Liz Torres as Malinahl, Abraham Verduzco as Boy, and A Martinez as Emperor. Note: Coatl's name is actually part of the name of the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl.
25	"King Midas and the Golden Touch"	Edward Bell	June 29, 1997 (1997-06-29)
The powerful monarch of an African kingdom learns that all that glitters isn't gold when his wish to turn everything he touches into gold is granted. Featuring the voices of Blair Underwood as King Midas, Rae'Ven Larrymore Kelly as Goldina, Alfonso Ribiero as Kephra, and Jennifer Holliday as The Dream Diva.
26	"Mother Goose: A Rappin' & Rhymin' Special"	Rufus Dizinne	October 12, 1997 (1997-10-12)
Feeling unappreciated by the denizens of Nursery Rhyme Land, Mother Gooseberg decides to go into retirement. Now a group of beloved Nursery Rhyme characters must show how much they really care before she flies the coop. Featuring the voices of Whoopi Goldberg as Mother Gooseberg, Jimmy Smits as Old King Cole, Salt-n-Pepa as The Three Little Kittens, Regis Philbin and Kathy Lee Gifford as Jack and Jill, Jackée Harry as Little Bo Peep, Nell Carter as Mary, Lauren Tom as Little Miss Muffet, Dave Chappelle as the Spider, Robert Pastorelli as Sgt. Louie, Denzel Washington as Humpty Dumpty and Crooked Man, George Wallace as the Farmer, Rockapella as the Five Little Piggies, Steven Wright as the Bogeyman, Camille Winbush as the Child, and Marla Gibbs as Old Mother Hubbard.

Season 3 (1999–2000)

#	Title	Directed by	Original air date
27	"The Three Little Pigs"	Anthony Bell	June 22, 1999 (1999-06-22)
This tale is told with country music, when three female piglets go to a summer camp called Camp Piggywood and they ward off a wolf. Featuring the voices of Sinbad as Big Bad Wolfgang, Loretta Lynn as Dell Porkchop, Courteney Cox as Emerald Salt Pork, Sandra Oh as Breadcrumb, Tyra Banks as Barbie Q. Pepper, Julie Brown as Lottie Balogna, Brian Reddy as TV Announcer and Security Guard, and Peter Renaday as Pig Daddy.
28	"Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves"	Anthony Bell	July 14, 1999 (1999-07-14)
This tale is given a feminist twist as a young Arabian girl named Ali Baba must rescue her selfish older brother Cassim and outsmart the forty thieves to save her family. Featuring the voices of Jurnee Smollett as Ali Baba, Tommy Davidson as Cassim, Marla Gibbs as Grandmother, Will Ferrell as Mamet the Moocher, George Wallace as Baba Mustafa, and Bruno Kirby as the Great One.
29	"The Bremen Town Musicians"	Anthony Bell	August 12, 1999 (1999-08-12)
The classic Brothers Grimm tale is told with a country/African-American twist, as outcast barn animals become singers and go on their way to Bremen. Featuring the voices of George Clinton as Scratchmo, Gladys Knight as Chocolate, Jenifer Lewis as Hazel, Dionne Warwick as Miss Kitty, Brent Jennings as Farmer Farouk, Marlon Wayans as Itch, and Shawn Wayans as Bad Bobby.
30	"The Empress's Nightingale"	Anthony Bell	September 16, 1999 (1999-09-16)
The classic tale is given a feminine makeover when a greedy empress learns about the true meaning of beauty. Featuring the voices of Pam Grier as the Empress' Nightingale, Amy Hill as the Empress, Phil Hartman as the Game Show Host, and Robin Leach as the Chamberlain. Note: This episode is dedicated in memory of Phil Hartman.
31	"The Happy Prince"	Anthony Bell	October 6, 1999 (1999-10-06)
Based on Oscar Wilde's short story, a statue and a pigeon name Pidge work together to help the poor in New York City. Featuring the voices of Ed Koch as "Happy" Prince (a former mayor who is now a statue), Cyndi Lauper as Pidge, Carol Kiernan as French Nanny and Irish Tourist, and Phil LaMarr as Pigeon #1 and New Mayor.
32	"Henny Penny"	Anthony Bell	November 2, 1999 (1999-11-02)
A news reporter hen named Henny Penny convinces barnyard denizens that the sky is falling. Featuring the voices of Sharon Stone as Henny Penny, Patricia Welch as the singing voice for Henny Penny, Henry Kissinger as Ducky Lucky, Mary Hart as Goosey Lucy, Jesse Jackson as Cocky Lockey, Johnnie Cochran as Foxy Loxy, Alan M. Dershowitz as Turkey Lurkey, Geraldine A. Ferraro as Merle, Rudolph W. Giuliani as Earl, and John McLoughlin as Wooster Rooster.
33	"The Frog Princess"	Anthony Bell	January 3, 2000 (2000-01-03)
In this country version of a Russian fairy tale, a frog princess proves that love conquers all. Featuring the voices of Jasmine Guy as Frog Princesss Lylah, Greg Kinnear as Prince Gavin, Wallace Langham as Prince Bobby and Fish, Mary Gross as Elise, Beau Bridges as King Big Daddy, Anne-Marie Johnson as Verena, and Scott Thompson as Prince Rip.
34	"The Princess and the Pauper"	Anthony Bell	February 21, 2000 (2000-02-21)
The classic Mark Twain novel is told with an African-American and feminist twist where a princess named Princess Olivia and a poor girl named Zoe exchange identities. Featuring the voices of Raven-Symoné as Princess Olivia and Zoe, David Alan Grier as King Maynar, Phylicia Rashad as Lady Fulten, Andre Braugher as Julian Andrews, and John Witherspoon as Scofflaw.
35	"Rip Van Winkle AKA Rip Winkle"	Anthony Bell	March 21, 2000 (2000-03-21)
In a feminist retelling of the story, young hippie Vanna falls in love with rock star Rip van Winkle and must rediscover her voice after not being respected by her sexist husband. Vanna's fairy godmentor gives Rip some time to sleep on things (20 years to be exact) and he wakes up to a world where Vanna has helped change things for the better. Featuring the voices of Tom Arnold as Rip van Winkle, Calista Flockhart as Vanna, Patricia Welch as the singing voice for Vanna, Sandra Bernhard as Bluebird, Maya Angelou as the Fairy Godmentor, Martin Grey as Assistant and R.D., Gary Lazer as Rocky, and Linda Ellerbee, Betty Friedan, Jessye Norman, Ann Richards, and Gloria Steinem as the Thunder Mountain Women.
36	"The Snow Queen"	Anthony Bell	April 18, 2000 (2000-04-18)
An Inuit setting as the Snow Queen freezes a boy's heart and takes him to her icy castle. Only his best friend, a girl with a powerful heart, can save him. Featuring the voices of Eartha Kitt as the Snow Queen, Táska Cleveland as Gerda, T'Keyah Crystal Keymah as Grandmother and Robber Girl, Brandon Hammond as Kai, Doug E. Doug as the Raven, and Bronson Pinchot as Killer Whale and Reindeer.
37	"The Steadfast Tin Soldier"	Anthony Bell	May 16, 2000 (2000-05-16)
In an African-American twist and feminist twist, a set of tin soldiers inspires a girl's imagination and its one-legged leader conquers all obstacles to reach a dancer toy she loves. Featuring the voices of Tisha Campbell-Martin as Goldie, Terry Ellis, Maxine Jones and Cindy Herron (En Vogue) as Dolls 1, 2, and 3, Savion Glover as Dancer, Kadeem Hardison as Clown, Ruby Dee as Grandma, Rae'Ven Larrymore Kelly as Imani, Q-Tip as Teddy Bear and Cockroach, Caroline Rhea as Spidey and Kim Wayans as Jackie-In-The-Box and Lulu.
38	"Robinita Hood"	Anthony Bell	June 19, 2000 (2000-06-19)
A Puerto Rican feminist version of the English Legend Robin Hood. Robinita Hood leads her band of Merry Chicas to stop the greedy Sheriff De Jamon with the help of her love interest Mario. Featuring the voices of Rosie Perez as Robinita Hood, Marc Anthony as Mario, Rick Najera as Sheriff Juan Jose Del Roman De Jamon, Daphne Rubin-Vega as Little Juanita, Idalis DeLeón as Guillermina Scarlet, Nancy Garcia as Elena Dale, Nestor Carbonell as Sir Gooey, and Ian Gomez as Basilio.
39	"Aesop's Fables: A Whodunit Musical"	Anthony Bell	July 18, 2000 (2000-07-18)
In the setting of London, England, a beautiful detective tracks down Aesop's purloined book of fables which has been stolen by some Aesop characters. Featuring the voices of Angie Dickinson as the Detective, Diahann Carroll as the Crow, Dabney Coleman as Monsieur Fox, Harvey Korman as the Lion, Jaleel White as The Boy Who Cried Wolf, Katey Sagal as the Hare, Kevin Pollak as the Mouse and the Grasshopper, Melanie Chartoff as Grape Fox, and Ruth Brown as the Tortoise and the Ant.

Home Media

Most episodes of Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child were released on VHS, but only a few episodes were released on DVD. There was one DVD where four episodes ("Pinocchio", "the Pied Piper", "King Midas", and "Mother Goose") were released on DVD. In the United Kingdom, there are four DVDs with three episodes on each.

External links

• Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child at IMDb
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• Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child at HBO Family