Ever After (known in promotional material as Ever After: A Cinderella Story) is a 1998 American romantic period drama film inspired by the Charles Perrault fairy tale, "Cinderella". It is directed by Andy Tennant and stars Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston, Dougray Scott, Jeanne Moreau, Megan Dodds, Melanie Lynskey, Patrick Godfrey, Lee Ingleby, Richard O'Brien, Timothy West, and Judy Parfitt. Tennant, Susannah Grant and Rick Parks wrote the screenplay. George Fenton composed the original music score. The film's closing theme song, "Put Your Arms Around Me", is performed by the rock band Texas. The film removes the pantomime and supernatural elements that are commonly associated with the Cinderella tale and instead treats the story as historical fiction, setting it in Renaissance-era France. It is considered to be a modern, post-feminist interpretation of the fairy tale. Ever After was well received by critics and was a box office success. Plot The Brothers Grimm meet with the Grand Dame, who expresses disappointment in their version of Cinderella. She produces a jeweled slipper and recounts Cinderella’s actual story. In 16th century France, eight-year-old Danielle is the daughter of widowed merchant Auguste De Barbarac. Auguste returns home with his new wife, Baroness Rodmilla De Ghent, and her two daughters from her previous marriage, Marguerite and Jacqueline. A fortnight later, Auguste dies of a heart attack. Ten years later, Auguste’s estate is in debt due to Rodmilla’s overspending, while Danielle has been forced to become a servant in her own home. One morning, Danielle encounters Prince Henry as he is attempting to flee in order to avoid an arranged marriage to Princess Gabriella of Spain. He gives Danielle some gold coins to keep their interlude secret and rides away. He is eventually caught by the Royal Guard after stopping Romani bandits from robbing Leonardo da Vinci, whom King Francis has invited to the French court. Danielle, disguised as a noblewoman, takes the gold coins to the palace to buy back a family servant sold by Rodmilla. Henry witnesses Danielle arguing with the jailer and, impressed by her passion, orders the servant released. Captivated by her intelligence, Henry asks for her name. Danielle hastily lies and gives her mother’s name: Comtesse Nicole De Lancret. Later that night, King Francis strikes a deal with Henry: he will hold a masquerade ball at which Henry will announce his engagement to the woman of his choosing, or else marry Princess