The Magic Riddle

The Magic Riddle

Year: 1991

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: English

Director: Yoram Gross

Animation

The Magic Riddle is a 1991 Australian animated feature penned and directed by Yoram Gross. Its story weaves together fairy‑tale elements from Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Little Red Riding Hood and Pinocchio, creating a whimsical tale. Actress Robyn Moore supplies the voice of the heroine Cindy and several additional characters.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Magic Riddle (1991)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Magic Riddle (1991). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The tale unfolds in a timeless fairy-tale realm where magic and myth blur the lines of reality. It blends Cinderella-like family dynamics with talking creatures, mirrors, and enchanted objects. The world feels ancient and fantastical, not tied to a specific historical period, allowing for limitless magical possibilities.

Location

Grandmother's Cottage, Castle of a Hundred Doors, Widow's Cottage, The Farm, The Lake

The story unfolds across a wooded landscape centered on Grandmother's cottage, a sanctuary of secrets and family lore. The Castle of a Hundred Doors serves as a magical labyrinth where twists of fate and hidden truths unfold. Domestic spaces like the Widow's cottage and the family farm anchor the plot, while a nearby lake provides pivotal meetings and revelations.

🏰 Fantasy 🌳 Woods 🏡 Domestic

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:38

Main Characters – The Magic Riddle (1991)

Meet the key characters of The Magic Riddle (1991), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Cindy (Robyn Moore)

Cindy is a diligent, kind-hearted girl who endures her stepmother's oppression while clinging to the hope of a just future. She is resourceful and brave, disguising herself to attend the ball and navigate dangerous schemes. Her loyalty to family and friends keeps her moving forward, even in the face of multiple disguises and traps.

💪 Resilience 😊 Kindness 🕊️ Hope

Grandmother

Grandmother is exiled by the Widow after the Grandfather's death, yet she remains a repository of truth and magic. She guides Cindy toward the Castle of a Hundred Doors and helps uncover the Grandfather's will through a cryptic riddle. Her wisdom and persistence help restore justice and reunite the family.

🧙 Wise ✨ Magic 👵 Elder

Phillippe

Phillippe is a handsome young man who falls for Cindy and acts as her supportive ally. He gives Cindy a ring as a token and pursues her across the town and lake, attending the ball and sharing a genuine connection. His loyalty and affection help lighten Cindy's burden and push the romance forward.

💘 Love 🕊️ Loyal 🧭 Adventurous

Bertha

Bertha is Cindy's jealous stepsister who schemes to marry Phillippe and undermine Cindy. Her resentment fuels conflict, as she and the Widow manipulate situations to seize control. Her actions highlight the dangers of envy within a family dynamic.

😠 Jealousy 🗯️ Scheming 👗 Fashion

Ertha

Ertha is the kinder stepsister who witnesses the magical events and becomes a crucial ally to Cindy. She urges Cindy to escape danger and later helps track Grandmother and the truth. Her loyalty strengthens the bond between Cindy and the magical allies they meet along the way.

💖 Kindness 🤝 Friendship 🗺️ Loyalty

Pinocchio

Pinocchio is a wooden puppet who comes alive and joins the quest to uncover the will. His presence and the peril involving his nose become pivotal to the riddle's solution. After a perilous journey, he is restored to life and reunites with his companions.

🪵 Puppet ✨ Magic 🕵️‍♂️ Mystery

Seven Wooden Dwarfs

The seven wooden dwarfs live in Grandmother's cottage and awaken when Cindy kisses them, assisting her in the search for the will. They guide the group and provide companionship during tense moments. At the end, they return to wood as their magical mission concludes.

🪵 Animated 😊 Friendly 🧭 Helpful

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:38

Major Themes – The Magic Riddle (1991)

Explore the central themes of The Magic Riddle (1991), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗝️ Inheritance

The Grandfather's will hidden within the family lore becomes the central motive driving the conflict. The Widow schemes to control the inheritance by locating the will before Cindy, leveraging deception and disguise. The revelation of the will through a mystical riddle culminates in Cindy's rightful claim to the estate. Truth and legitimacy triumph as the family legacy is finally restored.

🎭 Deception

Disguises, disguises of disguise, and trickery propel the plot—from the Widow's wolf costume to the ball mask and the mirror's plotting. The narrative shows how appearances can mislead and how cunning plans threaten innocent alliances. Masks literally and metaphorically separate lovers and friends, driving the characters toward a climactic reckoning. Yet the truth eventually pierces the deception, revealing true intentions.

🛡️ Courage

Cindy demonstrates resilience in the face of harsh treatment, choosing action over despair. She seeks help from Grandmother, allies with Ertha, and confronts peril at the Castle of a Hundred Doors. Bravery isn't just physical; it includes moral courage to pursue justice, protect loved ones, and hold onto hope. The journey reinforces that courage can unlock hidden doors to rightful outcomes.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:38

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The Magic Riddle Summary

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The Magic Riddle Summary

The Magic Riddle Timeline

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The Magic Riddle Timeline

More About The Magic Riddle

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