The Emperor's New Clothes

One of the three Hans Christian Anderson fairy tales in The Hans Christian Anderson Anniversary Collection animated series for children, The Emperor's New Clothes tells the timeless tale of a an emperor whose "new clothes," thanks to the work of a couple of corrupt tailors, winds up being his "birthday suit." In this version, the sweet young Antoinette is the only one in the community who recognizes swindled and unclothed men for what they are and speaks the plain truth, with the upshot that young viewers learn that people love you for who you are and not what you wear (proving once and for all that Hans Christian Anderson did not, in fact, live in Los Angeles). Aside from very mediocre animation right out of the Speed Racer school, this is an adequate adaptation, but given the various versions available (including entries from both the Faerie Tale Theatre and Happily Ever After series), this one's an optional purchase at best. The two other titles in the series (series price: $39.99) are The Little Mermaid and Thumbelina. Aud: K, E, P. (R. Ray)