Once Upon a Mattress
Once Upon a Mattress is a musical comedy with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer. The musical story of THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA, this television adaption of the 1959 Broadway hit was videotaped in black and white in front of a live audience and featured Burnett, Bova, Gilford, and White from the original Broadway cast, as well as new principals Bill Hayes as the Minstrel, Shani Wallis as Lady Larken and Elliott Gould (in his first appearance on any screen) as the Jester. Due to the reduced running time of 90 minutes, several songs and scenes were either cut or shortened. The conflict concerning Sir Harry and Lady Larkin was downplayed so that they were married in secret.
Insights
Plot Summary
This television adaptation of the Broadway musical comedy tells the story of Princess Winnifred the Woebegone, a clumsy and boisterous princess who travels to a kingdom to marry Prince Dauntless. However, Queen Aggravain, the prince's overbearing mother, has decreed that no one shall marry until Prince Dauntless does. To thwart Winnifred, the Queen devises a difficult and outlandish test of princesshood, involving a mountain of mattresses, hoping she will fail. The story playfully adapts the 'Princess and the Pea' fairy tale.
Critical Reception
A charming and delightful television production that brought the beloved Broadway musical to a wider audience. Carol Burnett's star-making performance as Princess Winnifred was widely praised, as were the show's humor and catchy musical numbers. It was considered a successful and entertaining adaptation that captured the spirit of the original stage production.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for Carol Burnett's breakout comedic performance.
- Commended for its lighthearted humor and catchy musical score.
- Seen as a faithful and entertaining adaptation of the stage musical.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this 1964 television film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
Carol Burnett's role as Princess Winnifred in this television production was a major stepping stone in her career, leading to her iconic television variety show, 'The Carol Burnett Show'.
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