Once Upon a Mattress

Year: 1972

Runtime: 78 mins

Language: English

Directors: Dave Powers, Ron Field

MusicComedy

The second television adaptation of the Broadway classic Once Upon a Mattress aired on December 12, 1972 on CBS and was videotaped in color. It reunited original Broadway stars Carol Burnett, James Gilford and Madeline White, and added Bernadette Peters as Lady Larken, Ken Berry as Prince Dauntless, Ron Husmann as Harry and Wally Cox as the Jester. Directed by Ron Field and Dave Powers, the production cut several songs, combined or altered characters, and, after removing the Minstrel and Wizard, introduced a new prologue with Burnett singing “Many Moons Ago” as a bedtime story.

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Timeline & Setting – Once Upon a Mattress (1972)

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Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:58

Main Characters – Once Upon a Mattress (1972)

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Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:58

Major Themes – Once Upon a Mattress (1972)

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Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:58

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Whimsical Musical Fairytales like Once Upon a Mattress

Playful musicals set in charming fantasy worlds where love and song conquer all.If you enjoyed the charming, musical storybook vibe of Once Upon a Mattress, you'll love these movies. This category highlights playful musicals set in fantasy worlds, where delightful songs, quirky characters, and romantic happy endings create a consistently lighthearted and whimsical feel.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a classic fairytale structure with a musical twist. A protagonist, often an underdog or someone deemed 'unsuitable,' must prove their worth through a series of amusing or magical challenges. The central conflict is usually lighthearted, involving parental disapproval or a curse, which is ultimately resolved through authenticity, cleverness, and true love, all accompanied by memorable songs.

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Stories of Authentic Love vs. Royal Expectations like Once Upon a Mattress

Stories where unconventional heroes must prove their worth to win a royal heart.Fans of Once Upon a Mattress will enjoy these movies about love overcoming tradition. This collection features tales where an unconventional protagonist must pass a royal test or challenge society's rules to be with their true love, celebrating individuality and heartfelt connections over pomp and circumstance.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a royal figure (or their equivalent in high society) who is barred from marrying until a suitor passes a specific, often absurd, test devised by a disapproving authority figure. The protagonist, who is genuine and relatable but seemingly unsuitable, enters the fray. The story follows their humorous or clever attempts to meet the challenge, ultimately winning not just the prize but also proving that true worth comes from character, not conformity.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by a specific plot archetype and thematic focus. They share a light, comedic approach to the conflict between individuality and tradition, a steady pacing that builds to a climactic 'test,' and a core message that authentic love is the ultimate measure of worth. The tone is generally upbeat and the emotional stakes are personal rather than epic.

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Once Upon a Mattress Summary

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Once Upon a Mattress Timeline

Track the full timeline of Once Upon a Mattress with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Once Upon a Mattress Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About Once Upon a Mattress

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Once Upon a Mattress: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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