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Once Upon a Time

Released Jun 29, 1944 1h 29m Fantasy List
Reviews 44% Audience Score 250+ Ratings With the war overseas, Broadway producer Jerry Flynn (Cary Grant) is constantly on the hunt for the next big thing that will keep the people entertained -- as well as his profits up -- but he's not finding much success. In desperate need to turn his fortune around, Flynn ventures into the streets, where he meets a young boy, Pinky Thompson (Ted Donaldson), the proud owner of a dancing caterpillar. Realizing the little critter could be a big ticket, Flynn begins publicizing the new act. Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Buy Now

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Once Upon a Time

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Critics Reviews

View All (2) Critics Reviews
John Stuart, Jr. Motion Picture Herald (Exhibitors Herald) Although drawn too fine, it has moments of human interest and gives Mr. Grant a full role. Nov 23, 2020 Full Review Elena de la Torre Cine-Mundial The movie is delicious. [Full review in Spanish] Sep 17, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (16) audience reviews
Theresa V Very sweet movie. Cary Grant gives a charming and energetic performance. There is a nice chemistry between him and the boy. Worth a watch! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/16/24 Full Review Lita T This is absolutely funny, simple, charming and magical. Some people are criticizing that the film is too simple for an actor like Cary Grant. That's not fair. It was his choice to be this. And it is about spectacle. So you are all missing the point. A simple script idea, looking into a cardboard box, a showman (carried wonderfully by Grant), a metamorphosis, Disney, you've got movie about spectacle. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/12/23 Full Review steve d A lesser Grant but it still has Grant. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member so-so fantasy wonder why Grant chose 2 do this pic? Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member A fun likable movie that isn't necessarily engrossing but still charming enough to be worth a watch. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Audience Member This kind of reminded me of the dancing frog cartoon from looney tunes, but not as good, I mean it's a caterpillar for goodness sakes! That's just silly. The movie isn't bad otherwise, though, the actors are good, and the story could be really good if not for that silly caterpillar. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/22/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Once Upon a Time

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Cast & Crew

Movie Info

Synopsis With the war overseas, Broadway producer Jerry Flynn (Cary Grant) is constantly on the hunt for the next big thing that will keep the people entertained -- as well as his profits up -- but he's not finding much success. In desperate need to turn his fortune around, Flynn ventures into the streets, where he meets a young boy, Pinky Thompson (Ted Donaldson), the proud owner of a dancing caterpillar. Realizing the little critter could be a big ticket, Flynn begins publicizing the new act.
Director
Alexander Hall
Producer
Louis F. Edelman
Production Co
Columbia Pictures Corporation
Genre
Fantasy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 29, 1944, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 9, 2010
Runtime
1h 29m
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