Set in the 1920's with lavish paintings inspired by period costume designs, this re-telling of the Cinderella story is splendidly subversive. When Ella's father remarries, a bossy step-mother and her two spiteful daughters intrude into the cosy idyll of their family dress shop. Although Ella gets to go to the ball, thanks to a fairy godmother, she turns down the Duke's offer of marriage and reveals her preference for Buttons, the cheerful young doorman, who has remained her loyal - and adoring - friend.