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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed shows.
Once Upon A Mattress
EMAILPRINTMOVIE: ABC, Sunday 12/18 at 7:00p (120 minutes)
Mixed or average reviews
Based on 15 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 19 votes
Read user comments
Rate this show >
Show Info
Genre(s): Family, Musical
First Air Date: December 18, 2005
Summary
Starring Carol Burnett, Tracey Ullman, Denis O’Hare, Zooey Deschanel, Michael Boatman, Edward Hibbert, Matthew Morrison, and Tom Smothers
Tony-winner Kathleen Marshall makes her TV directorial debut with this musical based on the fairy tale, "The Princess and the Pea," which has been both a Broadway production in the late 1950s as well as a TV movie (twice previously).
Also On The Web: Official Show Site
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Baltimore SunJ. Wynn Rousuck
Surely one of the most delightful examples of televised family entertainment this holiday season.
Read Full Review >The New York TimesAlessandra Stanley
The remake has everything that those earlier versions had and something more: Tracey Ullman and Carol Burnett together and at each other's throats.
Read Full Review >Chicago Sun-TimesDoug Elfman
That cast and the sweet but not disgustingly sugary direction uplift "Mattress" from what could have been a merely not-horrible event.
Read Full Review >New York Daily NewsDavid Hinckley
Like watching "The Carol Burnett Show: The Next Generation."
Read Full Review >Pittsburgh Post-GazetteChristopher Rawson
A pretty family entertainment, lit by Ullman's energy and just small flashes of the Burnett we love.
Read Full Review >Los Angeles TimesRobert Lloyd
While the performances are first-rate, and the film is never less than enjoyable, it doesn't quite take off.
Read Full Review >New York PostAdam Buckman
Not that it's not a nice show, but it is precisely the kind of production for which the word "corny" was probably coined.
Read Full Review >Entertainment WeeklyMelissa Rose Bernardo
Why was the tired Tracey Ullman tapped to star in this candy-colored adaptation of the fairy-tale stage show? [16 Dec 2005, p.77]
USA TodayRobert Bianco
Nothing works very well in this elaborate but leaden production, which seems more interested in Bob Mackie's costumes than in the characters they clothe.
Read Full Review >Hollywood ReporterMarilyn Moss
Even the combined deadpan cynicism -- at its very best -- of Carol Burnett and Tracey Ullman can't overcome the extreme sweetness of this "Once Upon a Mattress."
Read Full Review >Boston GlobeMatthew Gilbert
The production doesn't engage the ears, the eyes, or the laugh muscles. It engages only the snooze button.
Read Full Review >Philadelphia InquirerJonathan Storm
It's worth the effort, at least for a little while, to watch Burnett, at 72, fume and foam in her fantastic Bob Mackie costumes. But Ullman has almost no panache in the princess role, and Smothers, silenced by a curse for 99 percent of the program, doesn't rise above a cute cartoon.
Read Full Review >San Jose Mercury NewsCharlie McCollum
While it's always good to see Burnett, something has gone seriously awry with this new version.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this show is 4.7 (out of 10) based on 19 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Ken S gave it a0:
It isn't the Wonderful World of Disney that I grew up on. I quickly turned it off when I realized the lady was singing about her bastard child. It isn't the thing I want to discuss with my young daughter. As a Disney stockholder it was an embarassment.
Elyce H gave it a7:
How glorious to see the immensely talented Tracey Ullman play a delightful part that befits her singing and dancing talent. And Burnett and Smothers were wonderful to watch. It felt like a family reunion! The show itself, well, is, as some critics in the press have said, "corny." But for Disney it was delightful. And I defy parents to tell me their young children actually GOT any of the ribald humor. Please.
Joseph M gave it a9:
Charming and lovely adaptation.
Mary S gave it a10:
FANTASTIC! It was great to see it redone, especially with Carol Burnett as the Queen. The entire production was a joy.
Chris O gave it a9:
A delightful version of an engaging musical. The cast shined.
Rachael D gave it a0:
I was absolutely horrified and appauled at Disney for marketing this to Children!!!!! Who do they think they are?! The whole scene where the prince sings about the wedding night asking his fater what it is about outraged me. It wasn't just an innocent question, it pushed the boundaries entirely too far. It disgusted me to a degree than I cannot fully explain. Disney should be ashamed of themselves. It is not Disney's responsibility to teach about sex. It is not their place! And to do it so underhandedly and market it to children and parents with NO warning whatsoever from anyone.....not the media......not critics.......no one. I feel like I was "led into a trap". Does anyone else feel like this? I cannot even type anymore. I have no respect for disney anymore. Period.
richard g gave it a1:
I would give it a 4 or 5 had it been marketed to adults, but as a Sunday prime time offering for the whole family? We turned it on because I had heard Carol Burnett on NPR's "Fresh Air." I have admired her as a person for many years, but she really let me down here. Ms Burnett: did you know how Disney was going to market this thing? Do you think this is wholesome family fare? If so, I am disappointed. We are not prudes here, but we gave up on this thing after a half hour or so. Embarrassing. And Tracy Ullman as the princess? A little old and dumpy, no? Bad casting. Bad Disney. Anything for a buck.
