American versions of classic folktales are featured in the live-action film adaptations of From the Brothers Grimm. Each program has a different historic American setting chosen from authentic locations around the Virginia countryside. The series stimulates interest and understanding of folk literature and presents the classic folktale in an accessible format.
Grade Levels: 4-8
Resource Type: Videos
Content Notes
The “Soldier Jack” episodes (Programs 109-110) contain some scary scenes; teacher discretion is advised with students under 8. “Mutzmag” (Programs 114-115) and “Willa” (Programs 117-120) are recommended for middle school and secondary students only.
The Frog King or Faithful Henry
A story about the importance of valuing others, as well as the awkwardness of growing up. Suggested curriculum theme: using point of view.
Bearskin (or The Man Who Didn't Wash for 7 Years)
A story about endurance, force of character in adversity, and spiritual transformation through suffering. Suggested curriculum theme: the use of visual symbols in literature.
Hansel and Gretel: Appalachian Version
Focuses on how children’s inner resources and mutual loyalty can help them deal with their fears. Suggested curriculum theme: the use of plot to bring about character development.
Rapunzel, Rapunzel
A story, set around the turn of the century, about a young girl’s struggle with independence. Suggested curriculum theme: the use of fantasy in literature.
Bristlelip
Adapted from the Grimms’ story called “King Thrushbeard,” this comical tale focuses on the importance of empathy and kindness. Suggested curriculum theme: how characters in a story affect one another.
The Goose Girl
A story, set in the late 17th century, about the endurance and the ultimate triumph of virtue through honorable means. Suggested curriculum theme: how characters use events to make important choices.
Jack and the Dentist's Daughter (Part 1 of 2)
An American folktale, adapted from a tale in an Appalachian story cycle, in which a clever hero wins his true love by using his head. Suggested curriculum theme: using identification with a story’s main character to address life issues.
Jack and the Dentist's Daughter (Part 2 of 2)
An American folktale, adapted from a tale in an Appalachian story cycle, in which a clever hero wins his true love by using his head. Suggested curriculum theme: using identification with a story’s main character to address life issues.
Soldier Jack (Part 1 of 2)
An adaptation of an American “Jack tale” set in rural America after World War II. Jack receives two magical gifts: a sack that can catch anything and a jar that can show whether a sick person will die or get well. Suggested curriculum theme: character traits; the courage to live or die. (Note: “Soldier Jack” has some scary scenes. Teacher discretion is advised with students under 8 years old.)
Soldier Jack (Part 2 of 2)
An adaptation of an American “Jack tale” set in rural America after World War II. Jack receives two magical gifts: a sack that can catch anything and a jar that can show whether a sick person will die or get well. Suggested curriculum theme: character traits; the courage to live or die. (Note: “Soldier Jack” has some scary scenes. Teacher discretion is advised with students under 8 years old.)
Ashpet (Part 1 of 3)
An American version of the Cinderella story, set in the South shortly after World War II. Suggested curriculum theme: magic and fantasy in the folktale.
Ashpet (Part 2 of 3)
An American version of the Cinderella story, set in the South shortly after World War II. Suggested curriculum theme: magic and fantasy in the folktale.
Ashpet (Part 3 of 3)
An American version of the Cinderella story, set in the South shortly after World War II. Suggested curriculum theme: magic and fantasy in the folktale.
Mutzmag (Part 1 of 3)
An Appalachian variant of “Molly Whuppy,” brought to the U.S. by Scottish immigrants. Mutzmag and her sisters escape from a witch and a dumb but brutal giant. Suggested curriculum themes: heroes and heroines; past and present. (Note: “Mutzmag” is recommended only for middle and secondary students.)
Mutzmag (Part 2 of 3)
An Appalachian variant of “Molly Whuppy,” brought to the U.S. by Scottish immigrants. Mutzmag and her sisters escape from a witch and a dumb but brutal giant. Suggested curriculum themes: heroes and heroines; past and present. (Note: “Mutzmag” is recommended only for middle and secondary students.)
Mutzmag (Part 3 of 3)
An Appalachian variant of “Molly Whuppy,” brought to the U.S. by Scottish immigrants. Mutzmag and her sisters escape from a witch and a dumb but brutal giant. Suggested curriculum themes: heroes and heroines; past and present. (Note: “Mutzmag” is recommended only for middle and secondary students.)
Willa: An American Snow White (Part 1 of 4)
A new version of the ancient “Snow White” story set in 1915 America. The jealous queen is Regina Worthington, an aging beauty whose stage career has soured. Snow White is her beautiful and talented stepchild, Willa. The cottage of the seven dwarves has been changed into a traveling medicine show run by a failed Shakespearean actor named Dr. Alfonzo and his two oddball companions—a flamboyant Irish Indian called Chief Tonka and a dancing dwarf named Billy Bugg. They sell “Chief Tonka’s Elixir of Life,” a highly alcoholic concoction that is supposed to reverse aging—among other reputed cures.
Willa: An American Snow White (Part 2 of 4)
A new version of the ancient “Snow White” story set in 1915 America. The jealous queen is Regina Worthington, an aging beauty whose stage career has soured. Snow White is her beautiful and talented stepchild, Willa. The cottage of the seven dwarves has been changed into a traveling medicine show run by a failed Shakespearean actor named Dr. Alfonzo and his two oddball companions—a flamboyant Irish Indian called Chief Tonka and a dancing dwarf named Billy Bugg. They sell “Chief Tonka’s Elixir of Life,” a highly alcoholic concoction that is supposed to reverse aging—among other reputed cures.
Willa: An American Snow White (Part 3 of 4)
A new version of the ancient “Snow White” story set in 1915 America. The jealous queen is Regina Worthington, an aging beauty whose stage career has soured. Snow White is her beautiful and talented stepchild, Willa. The cottage of the seven dwarves has been changed into a traveling medicine show run by a failed Shakespearean actor named Dr. Alfonzo and his two oddball companions—a flamboyant Irish Indian called Chief Tonka and a dancing dwarf named Billy Bugg. They sell “Chief Tonka’s Elixir of Life,” a highly alcoholic concoction that is supposed to reverse aging—among other reputed cures.
Willa: An American Snow White (Part 4 of 4)
A new version of the ancient “Snow White” story set in 1915 America. The jealous queen is Regina Worthington, an aging beauty whose stage career has soured. Snow White is her beautiful and talented stepchild, Willa. The cottage of the seven dwarves has been changed into a traveling medicine show run by a failed Shakespearean actor named Dr. Alfonzo and his two oddball companions—a flamboyant Irish Indian called Chief Tonka and a dancing dwarf named Billy Bugg. They sell “Chief Tonka’s Elixir of Life,” a highly alcoholic concoction that is supposed to reverse aging—among other reputed cures.
Series Website
The free teacher’s guide is is available here at Davenport Films