Once Upon a Time_
"it's CHUCKLESOME!"
Broadway producer Jerry Flynn is anxious to recapture the magic and reclaim the crowds after a set of costly flops. Outside his theater one night, Flynn meets a young boy who just might save the day. Inside a small box the boy shows Flynn his pride and joy: a caterpillar named Curly that dances to Yes Sir, That's My Baby. Word quickly spreads about the amazingly talented hoofer, and the caterpillar becomes a symbol of hope for wartime America. Soon, offers are pouring in to capitalize on this sensational insect.
Starring
Cary Grant, Janet Blair, James Gleason
Updated Feb 16, 2026
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Year context
Once Upon a Time was released 82 years ago in 1944.
Overview
Broadway producer Jerry Flynn is anxious to recapture the magic and reclaim the crowds after a set of costly flops. Outside his theater one night, Flynn meet...
Once Upon a Time is a Family, Fantasy, Comedy film with a runtime of 1h 29m.
CAST (20)
Cary Grant
Jerry Flynn
Janet Blair
Jeannie Thompson
James Gleason
Moke McGillicuddy
Ted Donaldson
Arthur "Pinky" Thompson
William Demarest
Brandt
John Abbott
Reporter (uncredited)
Iris Adrian
Woman Exiting Theatre (uncredited)
Henry Armetta
Barber (uncredited)
Charles Arnt
Fred Stacy (uncredited)
Lloyd Bridges
Aviator Captain (uncredited)
Pedro de Cordoba
Professor Van Dorn (uncredited)
Walter Fenner
Walt Disney (uncredited)
James Flavin
Man in Subway (uncredited)
Byron Foulger
Theatregoer (uncredited)
Howard Freeman
McKenzie (uncredited)
TJ
Thelma Joel
Chorus Girl (uncredited)
Torben Meyer
Hotel Manager (uncredited)
Ida Moore
Old Lady on Subway (uncredited)
Jack Norton
Man In Barber Chair (uncredited)
Spec O'Donnell
Theatre Usher (uncredited)
DETAILS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Once Upon a Time about?
Broadway producer Jerry Flynn is anxious to recapture the magic and reclaim the crowds after a set of costly flops. Outside his theater one night, Flynn meets a young boy who just might save the day. Inside a small box the boy shows Flynn his pride and joy: a caterpillar named Curly that dances to Yes Sir, That's My Baby. Word quickly spreads about the amazingly talented hoofer, and the caterpillar becomes a symbol of hope for wartime America. Soon, offers are pouring in to capitalize on this sensational insect.
How long is Once Upon a Time?
Once Upon a Time has a runtime of 89 minutes (1h 29m).
Who stars in Once Upon a Time?
The cast of Once Upon a Time includes Cary Grant, Janet Blair, James Gleason, Ted Donaldson, William Demarest.
What is the rating of Once Upon a Time?
Once Upon a Time has a rating of 5.6 out of 10 based on 13 votes on TMDB.
GENRES (3)
Family
Fantasy
Comedy