Once Upon a Mattress (2005)

58% of users liked it
(966 ratings)

A love-sick nobleman seeking to marry his sweetheart does his best to find his ruling prince a suitable bride so that he himself may wed in this screen adaptation of the popular Broadway musical The Princess and the Pea. No one in Prince Dauntless (Denis O'Hare)'s kingdom is permitted to marry until… More A love-sick nobleman seeking to marry his sweetheart does his best to find his ruling prince a suitable bride so that he himself may wed in this screen adaptation of the popular Broadway musical The Princess and the Pea. No one in Prince Dauntless (Denis O'Hare)'s kingdom is permitted to marry until the prince himself exchanges vows -- a problem hindered by the fact that the prince's overprotective mother, Queen Aggravain (Carol Burnett), has thus far thwarted all efforts to marry her son. This does not sit well with the honorable Sir Harry, a man whose heart longs to wed the fair Lady Larkin (Zooey Deschanel), and after a long and arduous journey specifically designed to find the prince a bride, Sir Harry returns to his kingdom to present Princess Winnifred of the swamps (Tracey Ullman). Immediately stricken by the princess, Prince Dauntless sets into motion plans for a lavish wedding as his scheming mother cooks up a test that's sure to send his marital plans awry. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Kathleen Marshall
Genres: Drama, Television, Musical & Performing Arts, Comedy

In Theaters: Dec 18, 2005 Wide
On DVD: Dec 20, 2005

Critic Reviews

MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher
It's rare to see so strong a female cast accorded so rich a trio of roles...
Kevin Carr, 7M Pictures
I'd only recommend it if you feel you'd like fluffy made-for-TV musicals.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...ultimately overlong and forgettable, despite the best efforts of an exceedingly game cast.
Tony Whitt, Now Playing Magazine
It's downright odd how wholesome this movie seems.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
pretty harmless and almost wholly unmemorable, but considerably better than a lot of animated junk that's passed off as kiddie fare.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Leigh R

So funny. You have to remember that it's supposed to be fluff, of sorts, and then you can really enjoy it. I thought it was hilarious and would watch it again.
Dannielle A

I was in this play in high school so I picked it at the library. I thoroughly enjoyed Disney's version! The songs are so fun and the actors did a fabulous job, especially Carol Burnett! The costumes were fantastic and the sets were beautiful. What an adventure!
Sarah P

A cute movie with fun songs and with Matthew Morrison in the mix, it also felt like watching a Glee episode. Overall a good time.