Machine Description

Gottlieb's 'Cinderella' pinball machine, released in 1948, represents a classic example of early post-war pinball design when fairy tale themes were becoming popular in coin-operated amusements. The machine capitalized on the timeless appeal of the Cinderella story, making it accessible to a wide audience during the golden age of mechanical pinball.

The machine featured hand-painted artwork depicting scenes from the famous fairy tale, including the pumpkin carriage, glass slipper, and Cinderella's transformation. As an electro-mechanical pinball machine, it utilized the standard components of the era: mechanical score reels, relay-based logic, and bell sounds triggered by metal ball strikes. The playfield likely included the standard features of late 1940s machines such as pop bumpers, kick-out holes, and rolling targets.

While not as complex as later pinball machines, 'Cinderella' helped establish the tradition of narrative-based themed pinball that would become industry standard. The machine's family-friendly theme made it particularly suitable for locations where operators wanted to maintain a wholesome image, such as drugstores and family entertainment venues. Production numbers are not well documented, but like most pinball machines of this era, it likely had a manufacturing run of several thousand units.