The Red Shoes
Synopsis
The story of a little girl name Karen who was very poor and was given a pair of red shoes made of cloth to keep her feet warm in the winter. When her mother dies, she's adopted by a rich older woman who burns the shoes, saying they're ugly. Karen grows up pretty and happy with the old woman, but one day she sees a princess wearing beautiful red shoes and wants a pair just like them. When it comes time for Karen to be confirmed, she's to have a new pair of shoes. The pair she wants are red leather shoes that were maid for a count's daughter, but were too small. Karen buys them without the old woman knowing and wears them to her confirmation and gets in trouble for it. When the old woman falls ill, instead of taking care of her Karen goes to a ball and dances, but finds she can't stop dancing.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Rana Haugen
Karen Sorenson
Stephen Boe
Hans Christian Andersen
Molly Atwood
Mrs. Ingrid Sorenson
Sonja Kostich
Karen #1 / Confirmation Class
Sarah Napier
Mother / Dancers at the Ball
Julee Cruise
Old Rag Face
Wendy Lehr
Old Lady
Maria Iverson
Helga / Church Congregation / Masquerade Ball Dancers
Gabrielle Zuckerman
Karen #2 (as Gaby Zuckerman)
Tom Dunn
Coachman
Sylvia Bolton
Queen
Jo Jo Askegard
Princess / Confirmation Class / Vain Girls and Parson's Children
Myron Johnson
Shoemaker
Carl Beck
Soldier
George Muschamp
Preacher
Devi Piper
Karen #3
William Harren
Angel / Shoeshoppe Customers
Jason McLean
Executioner
Release History & Theatrical Window
January 1, 1983
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- John Clark Donahue, John Driver
- Screenplay & Story
- Hans Christian Andersen, John B. Davidson, John Clark Donahue
- Original Title
- The Red Shoes
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 19m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
John Clark Donahue, John Driver
Hans Christian Andersen, John B. Davidson, John Clark Donahue
Ronald Tanet
Department Leadership Roster
John Clark Donahue
Director
John Driver
Director
John B. Davidson
Writer
John Clark Donahue
Writer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Red Shoes.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Red Shoes.
081. Spielberg - Stone
More Like The Red Shoes
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Red Shoes
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Red Shoes about?
The story of a little girl name Karen who was very poor and was given a pair of red shoes made of cloth to keep her feet warm in the winter. When her mother dies, she's adopted by a rich older woman who burns the shoes, saying they're ugly. Karen grows up pretty and happy with the old woman, but one day she sees a princess wearing beautiful red shoes and wants a pair just like them. When it comes time for Karen to be confirmed, she's to have a new pair of shoes. The pair she wants are red leather shoes that were maid for a count's daughter, but were too small. Karen buys them without the old woman knowing and wears them to her confirmation and gets in trouble for it. When the old woman falls ill, instead of taking care of her Karen goes to a ball and dances, but finds she can't stop dancing.
Who directed The Red Shoes?
The Red Shoes was directed by John Clark Donahue, John Driver.
Who stars in The Red Shoes?
The principal cast of The Red Shoes includes Rana Haugen, Stephen Boe, Molly Atwood, Sonja Kostich, Sarah Napier.
When was The Red Shoes released and how long is it?
The Red Shoes was released in 1983 with a total runtime of 1h 19m.