Once Upon a Time | Rotten Tomatoes

Once Upon a Time

Released Jun 29, 1944

1 hr. 29 min.

Fantasy

List

Reviews

44%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

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.

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Premiered Apr 16

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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

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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

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steve d

A lesser Grant but it still has Grant.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Audience Member

so-so fantasy wonder why Grant chose 2 do this pic?

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

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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

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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

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Alexander Hall

Director

Cary Grant

Jerry Flynn

Janet Blair

Jeannie Thompson

Ted Donaldson

Arthur "Pinky" Thompson

James Gleason

McGillicuddy, aka The Moke

Howard Freeman

McKenzie

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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

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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
Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation
Genre: Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 29, 1944, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 9, 2010

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