Once Upon a Mattress

I'm only writing because of my disagreement with one of the other reviewers. Carol Burnett shines in this rather uninspired remake of the Broadway musical. Having once seen her play Princess Winifred, it is a pleasure to see her take the older role of Queen Aggravaine. She always has a way of taking an ordinary line reading and making it funny with her unique delivery. She should garner a supporting actress nod from someone, (Emmies, Golden Globes, anyone?) Tommy Smothers was great as the mute king, and Matthew Morrison and Zoey Deschanel were serviceable in their roles. Mixed reviews, however, for the two leads. A younger Tracey Ullman would have been great in this role, but she does seem a little old for it now. All in all, she gave it her best shot; and she does have her moments. But I would have preferred to see Sarah Jessica Parker's take on it, and I would have much preferred if Disney had left the stage musical intact instead of omitting roles and songs. Now that this has aired, would someone please release the 1964 TV version that gave Carol Burnett to the world? I haven't seen it since childhood, and I would love for my own children to experience this musical as it should be experienced...not this bland Disney remix.

In the vein of the classic, 1997 version of "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella", Disney released another delightful piece of eye candy, "Once Upon a Mattress", the musical twist on "The Princess and the Pea". "Once Upon a Mattress" is actually quite risqué for a Disney film. Oh, it's hardly HBO-worthy stuff, but not many ABC family movies lightheartedly deal with premarital sex, latent homosexuality, and the most shocking Oedipal relationship since Angela Lansbury and Laurence Harvey in "The Manchurian Candidate".

Hypersensitive/conservative parents better beware. For everyone else, it'd be a shame to miss the incomparable Carol Burnett (who originated the role of "Princess Fred" in the 1959 production of "OUaM") as the domineering Queen Aggravain, mother of meek Prince Dauntless (Denis O'Hare). When Prince Dauntless falls hard for robust, vivacious tomboy Princess Winnifred(Tracey Ullman), or "Fred" as she likes to be called, Queen Aggravain determines to sabotage the relationship by giving Fred a test she's convinced she'll fail. It's up to the mute King Sextimus (Tom Smothers), and dewy-eyed, pure hearted lovers Sir Harry (Matthew Morrison) and Lady Larken (Zooey Deschanael) to stop Queen Aggravain.

The costumes nearly steal the show, rich with explosive colors and sumptuous designs (Burnett's jewel-drenched costumes are designed by none other than Bob Mackie). Ullman gets wears yummy gowns of red and gold velvet, and Deschanael looks every bit the fair maiden in delicate, candy-colored silk dresses and rosy cheeks. The songs are also catchy and hummable, ranging from bombastic to ironic. I was surprised at what an incredible belter and game dancer Ullman was! In the show stopping number "Shy", she slides down poles and gets tossed about, Eleanor Powell-style, without missing a beat. Burnett shows that, even in her '70s, she's still a performer to be reckoned with, delivering the rather disturbing number "That Baby of Mine" with the hip-swiveling conviction of a burlesque dancer. All the couples have just the right amount of chemistry and a hell of a good time is had by all. Join the fun and don't be shy!

This is the first time I have seen any version of "Once Upon a Mattress". I thought Carol Burnett was wonderful as the domineering, often emotional and sometimes quite evil queen. And she could even sing. Tracey Ullman was outrageously quirky, especially when she tried to go to sleep. She could also be warm and pleasant, and she even had some singing talent--if that was her. Her first musical performance was more funny than anything else. Tom Smothers did quite a good job as the mute king, who could not talk after being cursed. Denis O'Hare also delivered. Zooey Deschanel and Matthew Morrison were very talented singers and did okay at acting. And Michael Boatman was very funny as the Jester, and Edward Hibbert deliciously evil as the Wizard.

I would say this was clean enough for most children. I questioned the TV-PG rating until I heard a reference to premarital sex. But unless a child knows where babies come from, this would be meaningless. It might lead the child to ask where babies come from, and of course King Sextimus gave his son a hilarious explanation of the process which never really got to the point. Especially since it was all in mime.

There was also a double entendre from Winnifred, but it would go over most kids' heads.

I enjoyed the music for the most part. Despite the medieval setting and costumes, a lot of the music sounded like Rodgers and Hammerstein. Winnifred also performed a sultry jazz number that seemed appropriate for a stripper.

The dancing and costumes also impressed.

I won't say it was a Disney classic, but it was certainly up to the usual Disney standards.

I have to agree with many other viewers... many things have been "Disney"fied. However, I want to point out that O'Hare needs a little more credit here. His character is somewhat weak, so his "sloppy diction" (which, all rabid Broadway fans knows he is known for) actually seems to endear him to the part.

Burnett shines especially, and Deschanel is charming. All in all, it's good fun to watch, but don't get your hopes up too high. This is obviously a kid-friendly, super colorful, bit of fun. No off-color humor here, so for those of us with a more wicked sense of humor, we'll have to wait a little longer!

Carol Burnette moved up from her original role as Princess Winifred to play the Queen, and Tracey Uhlman was a great pick to take on the role of Princess in this musical based on the story The Princess and the Pea.

If you pay attention to the lyrics, you find some wonderful things, like The Swamps of Home. The Swamps of Home are beautiful ... when viewed from a distance.

Of course, the big fun number is "I'm in Love with a Girl named Fred". It's madcap and simply funny. If you don't find yourself singing along with the chorus I can't help you. ;-)

It's kind of a shame Tommy Smothers has the role of the mute King, his comic delivery would have been perfect throughout.

I enjoyed the original back in the day, and my wife and I just enjoyed this revival.