Years ago, the American writer Kurt Vonnegut often said there was one story that would always make a million dollars: Cinderella.
In Hollywood and in today’s economy, it is more like $70 million and that is just a start. “Cinderella” made that amount in ticket sales when it opened last weekend. But the merchandising deals linked to the movie are also hugely valuable.
So the artistic success of the film is open to debate. What is clear, however, is the movie’s business success. It is a hit in the theaters but it is also a hit in retail. And Disney widened its usual market for “Cinderella” products.
There are products connected to the Disney film targeted not only at little girls, but women, too. For example, the famous shoe designer Jimmy Choo partnered with Disney to create a version of Cinderella’s “glass slippers” or shoes. You can buy them for about $5,000. At that price, you would not want to lose one at the ball, even if that is the way you get your prince. Several other shoemakers also accepted Disney deals to design versions of the famous footwear.
The makeup company MAC quickly sold all its products with official links to “Cinderella.” But lucky buyers were soon selling the products on the online marketplace eBay for many times the original price.
HSN is a popular television and online retailer of jewelry, clothing and objects for the home. The marketer is now an exclusive seller of “Cinderella” products.
So, is there anything left for the children, those people we think of as the traditional audience for the age-old fairy tale? Yes, you can find toys and other children’s products at the American retailer JC Penney. Of course, you can also visit a Disney store.
Disney also produced an animated version of “Cinderella.” It came out in 1950 and is considered a classic. Which do you think the Disney company does better: live action (实景真人)or animated films? Post your thoughts in the comments section.
21. Products connected to the film “Cinderella” are generally aimed at ________.
A. toy retailers B. shoe designers
C. female consumers D. make-up producers
22. The film “Cinderella” is also a hit in retail because ________.
A. it has always been warmly welcomed by successful businessmen
B. huge profits were made in the sales of various “Cinderella” products
C. box-office profit is much larger than the derivatives (衍生产品) of the film
D. Disney produced both a live action and an animated version of the film
23. What could be the best title for this passage?
A. “Cinderella” Is a Big Hit in the Theaters.
B. Two Different Versions of “Cinderella”.
C. Debates on the Artistic Success of “Cinderella”.
D. “Cinderella” Is More than Just a Movie for Kids.