Anyone remember a TV movie adaptation of Cinderella but with a male lead?

I believe I saw this on PBS or maybe it was an afterschool special. This was either late 80s or early 90s. The story took place in America during WWI or WWII time period because the main character I believe was going to war. Story took place in a rural area, I think the South/Biloxi/Dixie? Forgive me if my details were fuzzy it's because I didn't get to finish watching the movie. 8(