Once Upon a Time

It's been years since some TV showing, I was possibly a teen. I was utterly charmed and absorbed by the story and Cary Grant's persona helped make the story; wishing along with him for it to be a 'fairy tale' that would come true.

They could not produce a worthy remake now. This is truly a movie from a "lost America."

This movie is a perfect example of the innocence of children and the rude awakening to reality we all experience. Rather fanciful plot is a wonderful metaphor for life and love. Very heartwarming with a brilliant ending.

I caught this wonderful little film toady on TCM. Well, it does star Cary Grant with support from two of Hollywood's great character actor's William Demarest and James Gleason so it's not too little. Anyway, the whole plot revolves around a child who discovers a caterpillar that dances every time he plays "Yes Sir, That's My Baby" on his harmonica. The thing is that he keeps the 'pillar in a shoebox, and anytime anyone wants to see "Curly" the caterpillar dance, they have to hold the box up to an eye and peer in. And what they see is nothing short of amazing. A true life fairy tale. The viewer, however, NEVER sees Curly dance. No doubt this was due to the lack of "appropriate" special FX of the time, but I think it works so much better. Your imagination takes over and you can't help but see Curley dance! At least I could clearly "see" it. If it were remade today, they'd HAVE TO show you Curly dancing and probably speaking as well. Kids today would feel cheated and walk out of the theater in droves. And in today's world, there'd marketing of a cute character and millions of $$$ at stake. At least I THINK he was cute because that's what I saw in my imagination. The movie is even ahead of its time in respect to marketing because Walt Disney himself greedily pursues purchasing Curley to build a live action/animated feature around. Some things will never change. You'll love the obvious, but surprise ending. Yes, that's a contradiction, but just watch it for yourself. Great fantasy film and the kind they can't make anymore, because if they did, you'd probably be disappointed because Curly just wouldn't live up to your imagination.

I don't remember how I discovered this little gem, but I'm glad I did.

I found it very funny. Grant is a bit of a rogue wanting to sell Curley for a hundred grand to Disney.

For me, it's an old time Hollywood ovie that is throroughly entertaining. Glad I found it!

Litle known fact: Disney did the animation at the end.

The silly story of a down on his luck Broadway producer and his obsession for a dancing caterpillar is greatly enhanced by the approach of director Alexander Hall and screenwriter Irving Fineman. Hall and Fineman helm the fantasy in a surprisingly straightforward, realistic manner that manages to avoid camp with just the right touch of fantastical whimsy. Further credibility is given by the strong performances of Cary Grant and James Gleason, although Janet Blair and William Demarest are forgettable in one-dimensional roles. Best of all is 11 year old child actor Ted Donaldson, who easily transcends the film's far-fetched premise and almost single-handedly makes one believe a caterpillar can dance!