Watch Once Upon a Time

Once Upon a Time is a romantic fantasy movie from 1944, directed by Alexander Hall and starring the iconic Cary Grant as Jerry Flynn, a struggling Broadway producer. The film tells the story of a man who longs to escape reality and find true happiness, only to realize that his dreams may come at a steep price. Jerry Flynn is a producer who has been down on his luck for quite some time. His last show was a flop and he's deeply in debt. Because of this, he is forced to take odd jobs to make ends meet. One day, while he's walking down the street, he runs into a genie (played by child actor Bobby Driscoll) who promises to make all his wishes come true. Jerry is skeptical but decides to try his luck. He asks the genie to help him produce a hit show on Broadway and, to his amazement, the genie grants his wish.

Jerry then meets a beautiful actress named Joan (played by Janet Blair), who agrees to star in his new show. As they work together, they fall in love, but there's a catch. If Jerry were to stop believing in the genie, he would lose Joan and everything he's worked for.

The genie causes several mishaps along the way, which adds humor to the film, but also hints that having your wishes granted may not be all that it's cracked up to be. James Gleason plays the role of Jerry's sidekick and friend, George, who helps navigate the unexpected twists and turns of Jerry's life.

The movie has a timeless quality to it, with its charismatic cast and enchanting storyline. The musical numbers are stunning, featuring songs like "This Is a Happy Little Ditty" and "Listen to the Mockingbird". The film was an instant success at the box office and garnered critical acclaim for its comedic delivery and heartfelt performances.

What's unique about this movie is that it wasn't solely focused on the romance, but delved into deeper themes, such as the costs of chasing one's dreams and the importance of being true to oneself. The genie's presence adds an undeniably otherworldly and philosophical twist to the film, even though it's set against the backdrop of 1940s New York.

It's also worth noting that the movie is a joy to watch for fans of classic cinema. The lighting, framing, and overall aesthetic of the movie are expertly executed, showcasing the technical skill of the filmmakers during that era.

In summary, Once Upon a Time is a romantic fantasy movie that delivers on its promise of being an uplifting, feel-good film. With its talented cast, delightful musical numbers, and otherworldly story, it's easy to see why it's still beloved by audiences today. The film is a product of its time but has aged gracefully, making it a true classic film that deserves a spot on every movie lover's watchlist.

Once Upon a Time is a 1944 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.