IMDb RATING
6.1/10
1.1K
YOUR RATING
A cash-strapped theater producer promotes a nine-year-old boy's dancing caterpillar.A cash-strapped theater producer promotes a nine-year-old boy's dancing caterpillar.A cash-strapped theater producer promotes a nine-year-old boy's dancing caterpillar.
John Abbott
- Reporter
- (uncredited)
Eddie Acuff
- Shipyard Worker
- (uncredited)
Iris Adrian
- Theatregoer
- (uncredited)
Murray Alper
- Soldier Leaving Theatre
- (uncredited)
George Anderson
- Businessman
- (uncredited)
Henry Armetta
- Barber
- (uncredited)
Charles Arnt
- Fred Stacy - Reporter
- (uncredited)
Nelroy Ashley
- Businesswoman
- (uncredited)
Vi Athens
- Chorus Girl
- (uncredited)
William Austin
- Assistant Hotel Manager
- (uncredited)
Art Baker
- Gabriel Heatter
- (uncredited)
Don Barclay
- Photographer
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaRita Hayworth was originally assigned the role of Jeannie Thompson, and when she refused to do it, was placed on a nine week suspension without pay by the head of Columbia, Harry Cohn, and subsequently replaced by Janet Blair.
- Quotes
Jerry Flynn: What does the public need in times like these? Escape!
- Alternate versionsThere is an Italian edition of this film on DVD, distributed by DNA srl, "ONCE UPON A TIME: L'OTTAVA MERAVIGLIA (1944) + LA MOGLIE DEL VESCOVO (1947) + L'ORRIBILE VERITÀ (1937)" (3 Films on a single DVD), re-edited with the contribution of film historian Riccardo Cusin. This version is also available for streaming on some platforms.
- ConnectionsReferenced in Being Ian: Once a Pawn a Time (2005)
- SoundtracksYes Sir, That's My Baby
(uncredited)
Music by Walter Donaldson
Lyrics by Gus Kahn
Played often throughout the film
Featured review
A dancing Caterpillar? --- Yeah, Right!
First, let me tell you that I haven't seen this movie for over 30 years (but remember it well). I checked the TV listings (and online services) for years waiting for it. It must not be shown often in my area. I had described the movie to friends trying to confirm the story, the title, or at the very least someone else who remembered it. No luck...
Cary Grant, as a promoter(?), who partners with a kid who owns a caterpillar that dances, but dances only to the tune of 'Yes sir, that's my baby', and charms the country. Sounds pretty incredible, doesn't it? Most people would nod at me and back away slowly, so as not to excite me, mutter-ing something about LSD trip's of the 60's and flashbacks. Seems no one heard on anything remotely like what I was describing.
But, luckily, being resourceful and having access to the IMDb, I was able to find the title and plot summary. I also was able to procure a copy of my own from a Cary Grant fan I met online. My daughter and I watched it repeatedly. It's a wonderful story for grown-ups, and a fairy tale for kids. My daughter found more laughs than I did ( I think I grew up in the meantime), but I was charmed and amused too. It was BETTER than I remembered. The redemption of Jerry Flynn (Grant) is a joy to watch.
If ever a movie was "ripe" for a re-make, this is it! My daughter's only complaint was not getting to actually see "Curly" dance. With today's state of the art effects, a believable dancing caterpillar should be child's play (and a marketing boon). A re-make would surely make "Curly" the most famous caterpillar in all of Hollywood......
PS-- I forgive Walt Disney (a brief appearance) for his complicity in the "Curly" incident......
Cary Grant, as a promoter(?), who partners with a kid who owns a caterpillar that dances, but dances only to the tune of 'Yes sir, that's my baby', and charms the country. Sounds pretty incredible, doesn't it? Most people would nod at me and back away slowly, so as not to excite me, mutter-ing something about LSD trip's of the 60's and flashbacks. Seems no one heard on anything remotely like what I was describing.
But, luckily, being resourceful and having access to the IMDb, I was able to find the title and plot summary. I also was able to procure a copy of my own from a Cary Grant fan I met online. My daughter and I watched it repeatedly. It's a wonderful story for grown-ups, and a fairy tale for kids. My daughter found more laughs than I did ( I think I grew up in the meantime), but I was charmed and amused too. It was BETTER than I remembered. The redemption of Jerry Flynn (Grant) is a joy to watch.
If ever a movie was "ripe" for a re-make, this is it! My daughter's only complaint was not getting to actually see "Curly" dance. With today's state of the art effects, a believable dancing caterpillar should be child's play (and a marketing boon). A re-make would surely make "Curly" the most famous caterpillar in all of Hollywood......
PS-- I forgive Walt Disney (a brief appearance) for his complicity in the "Curly" incident......
- renfield54
- Jul 28, 1999
- Permalink
- How long is Once Upon a Time?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Alexander Hall's Once Upon a Time
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 29 minutes
- Color
- Black and White(original release)
- Black and White
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content