Once Upon a Time

1944 "it's CHUCKLESOME!"
6.1| 1h29m| NR| en| More Info
Released: 29 June 1944 Released
Producted By: Columbia Pictures
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
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Synopsis

Broadway producer Jerry Flynn is anxious to recapture the magic and reclaim the crowds after a set of costly flops. Outside his theater one night, Flynn meets a young boy who just might save the day. Inside a small box the boy shows Flynn his pride and joy: a caterpillar named Curly that dances to Yes Sir, That's My Baby. Word quickly spreads about the amazingly talented hoofer, and the caterpillar becomes a symbol of hope for wartime America. Soon, offers are pouring in to capitalize on this sensational insect.

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Reviews

LastingAware The greatest movie ever!
StunnaKrypto Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.
BelSports This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.
Frances Chung Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable
JohnHowardReid One of the things I like about this movie (in addition to its witty lines, its clever satire and the beautifully delightful whimsy of the whole piece) is the grand array of character actors it meshes into the plot – and many of them, would you believe, are cast against type. In addition to the major characterizations like Howard Freeman's breezily sadistic banker and William Demarest as a vengeful reporter, playing the only unsympathetic and virtually straight part in his whole career, there are a host of minor cameos like Jack Norton – not drunk, for once – as barber Henry Armetta's terrorized customer, and Tom Dugan as a singing police broadcaster. Alas, Janet Blair makes a rather colorless heroine, and Cary Grant is inclined to overdo the double takes. Indeed the fact that he is not basically a sympathetic character tends to lessen an audience's interest and involvement. Even Jimmy Gleason plays a more dramatic role than usual. In fact, he has some of the script's best lines, e.g. "A hot poker game tonight! I've got to go home early and mark up some cards!" Also pleasing to say, Hall's direction is much tighter than usual. The pace is fast, the compositions are interesting and Hall displays a real flair for crowd scenes (though maybe he had a bit of expert help here). Planer's beautiful lighting with its rich, glossy texture is also a major asset. The music score is witty. Indeed, production values are first class all the way!
vincentlynch-moonoi It's all very subjective, of course, when one tries to decide who is the "best American actor" (historically). But for me, it's always been a toss up between Spencer Tracy and Cary Grant, with the edge going to Cary Grant because he was equally comfortable with comedy and drama. But watching film, I've firmly decided that (at least for me) Cary Grant is the greatest American actor (historically).No, it's not because this is a great film. It isn't. It's mildly entertaining.But as I sat watching this film, all I could think was that there probably wasn't another actor who could play the main character and not turn the film into a farce.Think of it. A fantasy about a dancing caterpillar who eventually turns into a butterfly, after bringing a sense of loyalty to a little boy and a sense of hope to a jaded Broadway producer. A dancing caterpillar! And yet, Cary Grant pulled it off with panache! There a list of character actors here whom you'll recognize, including William Demarest. But here the prize goes to James Gleason. Janet Blair is the romantic lead...sort of. But the co-star is really Ted Donaldson -- the little boy.A gem of a film, very offbeat, heartwarming, and handled well so that it didn't become farce.
nalabitsy-1 Growing up I always remembered the dancing caterpillar named Curly who danced to "Yes, Sir,Thats my baby" I don't remember how old I was when I first saw it or how many times, but I never forgot Curly! I did forget the title and even that it starred Cary Grant. A few years ago I rediscovered Curly in the video store. I rented it and shared it with my daughter. It brought back such memories and now of course I was old enough to enjoy the entire movie! I think I loved it as much as an adult as I had as a child. And so did my daughter. I still sing "Yes, Sir, That's my Baby and always think of Curly dancing. I also think of Curly every time I see a butterfly!
loringm This was a wonderful radio play Norman Corwin wrote for CBS Radio in the 1940s. It starred Fred Allen, and because it was during the infamous Petrillo Musician's Union Strike, the background music was vocalized by a chorus. I was charmed by it then, but felt then (and now) that the imaginative quality of the radio play would be diminished in a film. I also felt Allen would be far better than Cary Grant in the lead role. But Allen would have sold far fewer tickets.