I have not seen this since it aired originally. I was 8 and never forgot Carol from that moment. I guess it was my first musical, no wonder I like them. Now I recognize Elliot Gould, Shani Wallace from Oliver!, Jack Gilford (Mr. Crackerjack in commercials) and looked up the queen, Jane White, is a black actress (1964, pretty cool) and Michael Bennett from the chorus went on to live and write RENT. Pretty impressive introduction to musical theatre. Thanks so much for posting this!!!
I'm actually playing King Sextimus in a local community Theatre Board production of this...its really hard after spending a week competing in a form of public speech to come home and play a mute king in a musical lol
I was thrilled to find this!! Hadn't seen it since it was actually on TV, some 40 years ago. However, I was incredibly horribly disappointed. This was not the story I longed to see again. The whole concept of the Princess struggling on the mattress---for Goodness Sake---the ESSENCE of the STORY!!! This was not included. I remember time & time again the character climbing up and down that pile of mattresses---struggling for a good night's sleep !!! It was Carol Burnett at her finest!!! ONLY IT IS NOT HERE. Insipid love songs by people I know longer know their names, or care!! But the HILARIOUS acting of Carol Burnett ON THE MATTRESSES trying to sleep......????? Sad to leave it out.........
I remember when this was first presented on 1964 TV. I was 10. The scene I most recall is the moment Carol climbs up the high stack of mattresses and makes it to the top.
No matter what it simply cannot be improved upon. Although, many versions have tried their best--to wreck it. Thank heavens for the original! A treasure.
This is actually very different in many ways from the show itself. For example, the song "Normandy" in the show is a trio between the Minstrel, the Jester, and Lady Larken. Here also, Lady Larken is involved with Sir Harry, not the Minstrel. Plus, in the play, Lady Larken has gotten "knocked up" and being unmarried is the reason for her running away to Normandy. Here, she and the Minstrel have "secretly wed." It is interesting to see the changes made. I wonder why some were made. I just did this play for the third time actually. Last month, I played King Sextimus the Silent, and let me tell you that it is a much more difficult part to play than it looks!
Wow! I was captivated immediately by everyone's acting. Their command of the stage is remarkable. I love the queen's presence and the prince is believable, though he doesn't look the age he portrays. So good.
Even in faded video this is such a modern, funny show... a real satire on the fairytale. Pretty and brilliant songs, a very good script, made for perfect comedy entertainment. Just hear that pop of applause for a hit show. Carol Burnett continued with this style of comedy from here on. Everyone loved her. From such unhappy beginings in a Hollywood studio apartment, she brough love and laughter freely for decades.
Thank you, Beth C., this is just about the funniest, cleverest, altogether heart-warming production ever. All I had for years, was the recording (great!) but seeing this brought tears of laughter, a true treasure. If it's possible to die laughing, this cast and direction is a killer.
According to an interview on _The Dinah Shore Show_ in the 1970’s featuring guests Valerie Harper, Lucille Ball, and Carol Burnett (🔗 below), on 19 May 1959: on the second night of the then off-Broadway show “Once Upon a Mattress,” Lucille Ball introduced herself backstage to Carol Burnett, one of the show’s stars, which began a lifelong loving friendship between the two. (The show moved to Broadway later that year.) 🔗 ua-cam.com/video/8raDnWeuKuA/v-deo.html
Hi Beth, thank you so much for sharing, because I had never seen "Once Upon a Mattress" with Carol Burnett. I wanted to ask you if you please can upload a better version from a qualitative point of view. When you can, let me know. Have a great Sunday! :)
I'm very surpised to see Jane White as the Queen in this production. Even though she originated the role on Broadway in 1959, her casting must have caused a bit of uproar in 1964, especially with TV stations in the South.
Networks and Hollywood producers were under increasing pressure to racially diversify their television casts to represent something approximating the actual demographics of the American population. (Something that has still not happened, despite significant improvement.) The stations in the South would have likely tolerated it if the actress could pass as white and/or there was nothing romantic or sexual suggested across race lines.
My name is sammy Jack was my father. I would love to know where you got this copy? I have one hopefully Of better quality from a 3/4 inch tape It looks like you filmed this while it was on the screen I've posted several Carol shows as well under my name I saw the original in 59' as well I was about 4
Would love to see this in even better quality, but who could ask for anything more, as the production (and Gilford) is totally brilliant. B'way today can't compare.
I remember your father in another CBS television play where a boy needs a horse to be a real cowboy. He goes to the zoo and decides on a tiger (played by your father). The tiger thinks, “this is the best idea I’ve heard today.” Why it stuck in my memory is that your father played it “straight” without the exaggeration and condescension that other actors use when acting in children’s theater.
I understand why the queen doesn't want her son to get married, but why doesn't she want anyone else in the kingdom to get married, if she wants to keep her son single forever she should at least remove the marriage law
She's a very sadistic lady! The type that feels that no one should be happy til her son is happy. At the same time, she wants him to be happy with someone exactly like her! Separation anxiety, I suppose.
I just saw a school play based on this both last night and the night before. I guess Sir Harry was a later addition. I really enjoyed that, as well as this. I wonder if the original Broadway soundtrack is available.
That’s Elliot Gould. His son (with Barbara Streisand) Jason Gould was equally sexy when he was in his 20’s. (Jason played a supporting role in “The Prince of Tides.”)
sha11235 As I remember the play: “My time is at a premium, for the world will see me a maternal bride to be. I know I shouldn’t worry, Harry, still I wish you’d hurry, Harry.......Harry. Marry. Me!”
Fred: Hey nonny nonny is it you? Knight: Hey nonny nonny nonny no. Fred: Hey nonny nonny is it you? Knight: Hey nonny nonny nonny no. Fred: Hey nonny nonny is it you or you or you or you or Dauntless: Nonny nonny noony noony nonny noonny Queen: NO NO NO! Fred: Someone's being bashful That's no way to be Not with me Can't you see That I am just as embarassed as you And I can understand your point of view I've always been SHY I confess that I'm SHY Can't you guess that this confident air Is a mask that I wear 'cause I'm shy And you can be sure Way down deep I'm demure Though some people I know may deny it At bottom I'm quiet and pure I'm aware that it's wrong to be meek as I am My chances may pass me by I pretend to be strong, but as weak as I am All I can do is try God knows I try Though I'm frightened and shy And despite the impression I give I confess that I'm living a lie Because I'm actually terribly timid And horribly shy Though a lady may be dripping with glamour As often as not she will stumble and stammer When suddenly confronted with romance And she's likely to fall on her face When she's finally face to face With a pair of pants Quite often the lady's not as hard to please as she seems Quite often she will settle for something less than the man of her dreams I'm going fishing for a mate Knights: She's going fishing for a mate Fred: I'm gonna look in every brook Knights: She's gonna look in every brook Fred: But how much longer must I wait With baited breath and hook? **DANCE BREAK** Fred: Oh that was WONDERFUL! And that is why Though I'm painfully shy I'm insane to know which sir, You sir? Knights: Not I sir Fred: Then who sir Where sir and when sir I couldn't be tenser So let's get this done man Get on with the fun man I am one man Knights: The lady's one man All: Shy!
Carol then went from playing Princess Winnifred to playing the Queen in the 2005 Once Upon a Mattress
Tiguiso z
Carol absolutely owns the stage in this production I love it !!!
LAST TIME I SAW THIS ON TV IN 1964 WHEN I WAS 12...WISH THEY MADE THEM LIKE THIS NOW,,,THANK GOD FOR YOU TUBE!!!
I was eleven and remember it as well !!
I was 6 and I loved it, even tho I didn’t understand much. Carol Burnett was so funny!
This is the only version I love you CAN NOT do any better the this cast. Absolutely perfect.
My sister played as Princess Winnifred. The cast was wonderful, especially the woman playing the Queen.
I have not seen this since it aired originally. I was 8 and never forgot Carol from that moment. I guess it was my first musical, no wonder I like them.
Now I recognize Elliot Gould, Shani Wallace from Oliver!, Jack Gilford (Mr. Crackerjack in commercials) and looked up the queen, Jane White, is a black actress (1964, pretty cool) and Michael Bennett from the chorus went on to live and write RENT. Pretty impressive introduction to musical theatre. Thanks so much for posting this!!!
There are so many excellent performances in this show . Can I say a word for Jack Guilford as the King? The man could get screams with just his face.
I'm actually playing King Sextimus in a local community Theatre Board production of this...its really hard after spending a week competing in a form of public speech to come home and play a mute king in a musical lol
I was thrilled to find this!! Hadn't seen it since it was actually on TV, some 40 years ago. However, I was incredibly horribly disappointed. This was not the story I longed to see again. The whole concept of the Princess struggling on the mattress---for Goodness Sake---the ESSENCE of the STORY!!! This was not included. I remember time & time again the character climbing up and down that pile of mattresses---struggling for a good night's sleep !!! It was Carol Burnett at her finest!!! ONLY IT IS NOT HERE. Insipid love songs by people I know longer know their names, or care!! But the HILARIOUS acting of Carol Burnett ON THE MATTRESSES trying to sleep......????? Sad to leave it out.........
It's not left out. Watch parts 2 and 3.
I know this comment was 3 years ago but it was so stupid I had to reply .......🙄
I remember when this was first presented on 1964 TV. I was 10. The scene I most recall is the moment Carol climbs up the high stack of mattresses and makes it to the top.
Thanks for posting this. Carol Burnett is a classic that everyone should enjoy.
Wow. A young Jack Guilford. I didn't know he was ever young. Joking, but I only saw him in his later years.
No matter what it simply cannot be improved upon. Although, many versions have tried their best--to wreck it. Thank heavens for the original! A treasure.
This is actually very different in many ways from the show itself. For example, the song "Normandy" in the show is a trio between the Minstrel, the Jester, and Lady Larken. Here also, Lady Larken is involved with Sir Harry, not the Minstrel. Plus, in the play, Lady Larken has gotten "knocked up" and being unmarried is the reason for her running away to Normandy. Here, she and the Minstrel have "secretly wed." It is interesting to see the changes made. I wonder why some were made. I just did this play for the third time actually. Last month, I played King Sextimus the Silent, and let me tell you that it is a much more difficult part to play than it looks!
Robert Gold tv standards at the time would dictate some of the changes..and possibly Lipton tea. Couldn’t be associated with an unwed mother.
Yeah I just got the part of Winnifred and it’s quite different
TV standards probably did that shit.
jane white as queen aggravain is sheer brilliance!! i'm so happy to have seen this!!
Wow! I was captivated immediately by everyone's acting. Their command of the stage is remarkable. I love the queen's presence and the prince is believable, though he doesn't look the age he portrays. So good.
Even in faded video this is such a modern, funny show... a real satire on the fairytale. Pretty and brilliant songs, a very good script, made for perfect comedy entertainment. Just hear that pop of applause for a hit show. Carol Burnett continued with this style of comedy from here on. Everyone loved her. From such unhappy beginings in a Hollywood studio apartment, she brough love and laughter freely for decades.
Thank you, Beth C., this is just about the funniest, cleverest, altogether heart-warming production ever. All I had for years, was the recording (great!) but seeing this brought tears of laughter, a true treasure. If it's possible to die laughing, this cast and direction is a killer.
Thank you for sharing this. It has been many years since I saw it and a college production. I love it.
11:47 *oh that was WONderful!*
This is amazing footage. Thanks for posting it
The truly wonderful thing is Carol Burnett played the queen just as perfectly as she plays this part🥰🥰🥰
I played Queen Aggravain in my Stuyvesant HS production w/Mr Tom Dolan, Director (RIP). Great memories :)
Originally telecast on June 3, 1964.
the minstrel is Bill Hayes from days of our lives been wanting to see this thank you
He also sang the 50’s cultural hit “The Ballad of Davy Crockett.”
thanks I acted in this in high school as Lady Larkin. lol.
Thanks! I was hoping someone had this!
So amazing! Looks like this was a LIVE performance too.
Wow, I had no idea Carol Burnett could sing--really SING!
You should watch her and Julie Andrews at Carnegie Hall, it's amazing!
Jane White is a hoot, delightfully haughty.
58 years later and high schools are still doing this same play.
Carol rocks!
According to an interview on _The Dinah Shore Show_ in the 1970’s featuring guests Valerie Harper, Lucille Ball, and Carol Burnett (🔗 below), on 19 May 1959: on the second night of the then off-Broadway show “Once Upon a Mattress,” Lucille Ball introduced herself backstage to Carol Burnett, one of the show’s stars, which began a lifelong loving friendship between the two. (The show moved to Broadway later that year.)
🔗 ua-cam.com/video/8raDnWeuKuA/v-deo.html
3:06... wow... Elliot Gould. Lady Larkin - Definitely recognize her...
EDIT: AHHH Shani Wallis, Nancy in "Oliver!"
I read that this was Elliot Gould's very first screen appearance.
im obseesed with the movie and just discoverd it on friday.
We did a play today at my drama club there Scotsman inside one play and one scit was this I loved it especially the on wear he says nananneenena
Hi Beth, thank you so much for sharing, because I had never seen "Once Upon a Mattress" with Carol Burnett. I wanted to ask you if you please can upload a better version from a qualitative point of view. When you can, let me know. Have a great Sunday! :)
I'm very surpised to see Jane White as the Queen in this production. Even though she originated the role on Broadway in 1959, her casting must have caused a bit of uproar in 1964, especially with TV stations in the South.
Networks and Hollywood producers were under increasing pressure to racially diversify their television casts to represent something approximating the actual demographics of the American population. (Something that has still not happened, despite significant improvement.) The stations in the South would have likely tolerated it if the actress could pass as white and/or there was nothing romantic or sexual suggested across race lines.
Thank you 🙂
terrible quality, but what a treasure to be able to watch!
It is likely a stereoscope copy, which is often the only historical record of these performances, so just enjoy what we have.
My name is sammy
Jack was my father. I would love to know where you got this copy?
I have one hopefully Of better quality from a 3/4 inch tape
It looks like you filmed this while it was on the screen I've posted several Carol shows as well under my name I saw the original in 59' as well I was about 4
Mr. Gilford, your Father was a great actor. I loved his performance in the movie Enter Laughing.
sam gilford I concur. Your dad was amazing!!! He brings back happy memories of my childhood in the 70s.
Would love to see this in even better quality, but who could ask for anything more, as the production (and Gilford) is totally brilliant. B'way today can't compare.
I remember him from Crackerjack ads when I was a boy.
I remember your father in another CBS television play where a boy needs a horse to be a real cowboy. He goes to the zoo and decides on a tiger (played by your father). The tiger thinks, “this is the best idea I’ve heard today.” Why it stuck in my memory is that your father played it “straight” without the exaggeration and condescension that other actors use when acting in children’s theater.
*Thanks!!*
Jane White played the role of Queen Aggravain.
dauntless: mama
laughtrack: *sis i'm here*
Great!
I was not old enough or smart enough to watch this when it first came out. What a regret.
No one sings this song like Carol.
Looks like Elliot Gould as the jester.
_C’est ça._
Where's the sound???? Sorry, operator error. My bad. Thanks for this, I've been looking for this for decades.
I understand why the queen doesn't want her son to get married, but why doesn't she want anyone else in the kingdom to get married, if she wants to keep her son single forever she should at least remove the marriage law
She's a very sadistic lady! The type that feels that no one should be happy til her son is happy. At the same time, she wants him to be happy with someone exactly like her! Separation anxiety, I suppose.
Beth Catanzaro i
@@bethcatanzaro3225 , it’s not sadism. It’s narcissism.
At least they kept the Minstrel in...he usually gets cut in these adaptations.
I'm disappointed.
Carol Burnett and Aggrivain slayed it tho!
Holy crap Lady Larken was Shani Wallis?! I had no idea!
I just saw a school play based on this both last night and the night before. I guess Sir Harry was a later addition. I really enjoyed that, as well as this. I wonder if the original Broadway soundtrack is available.
The original cast is this, Lipton tea just decided to have them do it for tv
Ack! They wrote out Sir Harry! That's who I was!
When and where?
Bill Hayes with his much heavier singing voice replaces Broadway's Harry Snow as the minstrel.
I was able to dl parts 2 & 3 but not part1.
The minstrel is HOT!
That’s Elliot Gould. His son (with Barbara Streisand) Jason Gould was equally sexy when he was in his 20’s. (Jason played a supporting role in “The Prince of Tides.”)
@@inkyguy Actually Elliott Gould played the Court Jester. The Minstrel was played by Bill Hayes from Days of Our Lives. Both very talented actors.
@@ez8546 , Obviously, I confused the two roles. Thanks for the correction.
Wait a minute: Wasn't Lady Larkin pregnant with Harry's kid?
sha11235 As I remember the play: “My time is at a premium, for the world will see me a maternal bride to be. I know I shouldn’t worry, Harry, still I wish you’d hurry, Harry.......Harry. Marry. Me!”
Yes she was but the censors would rather it be the minstrel who was the father
Fred: Hey nonny nonny is it you?
Knight: Hey nonny nonny nonny no.
Fred: Hey nonny nonny is it you?
Knight: Hey nonny nonny nonny no.
Fred: Hey nonny nonny is it you or you or you or you or
Dauntless: Nonny nonny noony noony nonny noonny
Queen: NO NO NO!
Fred: Someone's being bashful
That's no way to be
Not with me
Can't you see
That I am just as embarassed as you
And I can understand your point of view
I've always been SHY
I confess that I'm SHY
Can't you guess that this confident air
Is a mask that I wear 'cause I'm shy
And you can be sure
Way down deep I'm demure
Though some people I know may deny it
At bottom I'm quiet and pure
I'm aware that it's wrong to be meek as I am
My chances may pass me by
I pretend to be strong, but as weak as I am
All I can do is try
God knows I try
Though I'm frightened and shy
And despite the impression I give
I confess that I'm living a lie
Because I'm actually terribly timid
And horribly shy
Though a lady may be dripping with glamour
As often as not she will stumble and stammer
When suddenly confronted with romance
And she's likely to fall on her face
When she's finally face to face
With a pair of pants
Quite often the lady's not as hard to please as she seems
Quite often she will settle for something less than the man of her dreams
I'm going fishing for a mate
Knights: She's going fishing for a mate
Fred: I'm gonna look in every brook
Knights: She's gonna look in every brook
Fred: But how much longer must I wait
With baited breath and hook?
**DANCE BREAK**
Fred: Oh that was WONDERFUL!
And that is why
Though I'm painfully shy
I'm insane to know which sir, You sir?
Knights: Not I sir
Fred: Then who sir
Where sir and when sir
I couldn't be tenser
So let's get this done man
Get on with the fun man
I am one man
Knights: The lady's one man
All: Shy!
Boy can she BELT!!
oh... oh lady larken... what happened to you?
Did Bobby Morse ever play Dauntless?
I suspect you could look that up online and let us know.
The men back then were very skinny, just look at their legs
Everybody back then seemed to be very skinny. Carol was a toothpick herself!
Imagine Cuomo in the Queen's place during covid fiasco rigging everything against us.
Is Perry still performing?
Boy can she BELT!!