Watch Once Upon a Girl

Once Upon a Girl is a 1976 animated musical film that uses classic fairy tale characters to tell a modern story. The film is directed by Don Jurwich and produced by Ralph Bakshi. The story follows the adventures of a sassy and modern Cinderella named Cindy (voiced by Kelly Gordon) who leaves her home in the suburbs to find her prince charming in the big city. Along the way, she encounters a wide array of characters, including a randy frog prince (voiced by Richmond Johnson), a lascivious wolf, and a sexually frustrated Little Red Riding Hood.

The film is told through a series of vignettes, each featuring a different fairy tale character. For example, the first segment features Cinderella trying to find her way around the city, while the second segment shows the Little Mermaid (voiced by Carol Piacente) longing to experience life on land.

The animation in Once Upon a Girl is a mixture of traditional and experimental techniques. The characters are drawn in a bold, stylized manner that emphasizes their exaggerated facial features and body proportions. The backgrounds are often abstract, featuring bold colors and surreal imagery. The film also makes use of live-action footage, particularly during musical segments.

The music in Once Upon a Girl is a standout feature of the film. The soundtrack comprises a mixture of original songs and classic pop hits, all performed in a disco-funk style that was popular in the mid-1970s. The songs are catchy and memorable, with lyrics that often reflect the film's themes of sexual liberation and social critique.

Despite its whimsical subject matter, Once Upon a Girl is actually quite subversive for its time. The film was made during the height of the women's liberation movement, and it reflects many of the concerns and attitudes of that era. For example, the character of Cindy is depicted as a strong, assertive woman who refuses to be constrained by traditional gender roles. Similarly, the film's sexual humor and frank depictions of sexuality were quite groundbreaking for an animated film of the time.

Overall, Once Upon a Girl is a fascinating artifact of its era. As a musical, a fairy tale, and a piece of social commentary, it offers plenty of entertainment and food for thought. Although it may not be to everyone's taste, it remains a unique and inventive piece of animated cinema.