Once Upon a Mattress 1972

In the delightful adaptation of a timeless fairy tale, the story begins with a whimsical scene taking place in the present day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. A young girl asks the other Disney Princesses such as Snow White and Belle about Princess Winnifred, sparking curiosity and reverence for her. As she bumps into Carol Burnett, she begins to share the enchanting story of Princess Winnifred, also known as Winnie, and the quirky kingdom she inhabits.

The narrative is set in a kingdom where marriage is a forbidden act until the prince finds his true princess, but the queen, Princess Winifred the Woebegone, refuses to accept anyone who doesn’t meet her high standards. She believes only a “genuine” princess is worthy of her son, Prince Dauntless, played by Ken Berry. Despite numerous princesses attempting to win Dauntless’s love, each fails the queen’s strict tests. One of Dauntless’s frustrations is that he suspects his mother may be trying to sabotage his chances of marriage, but she strongly denies any wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, Lady Larken, portrayed by Bernadette Peters, and Sir Harry, played by Ron Husmann, face their own dilemma—they want to marry but must find a suitable princess for Dauntless. When Lady Larken discovers she is pregnant, they realize that securing a bride for the prince is crucial, not only for love but also to avoid her banishment from the kingdom. After several weeks of searching, Sir Harry returns with Winnie, a spirited princess from the northern swamps who arrives soaked from swimming across the castle’s moat. Though initial reactions from Queen Aggravain are negative, with her disgusted by Winnifred’s rustic origins, Dauntless immediately falls in love with her.

Despite her unrefined background, Dauntless’s affection saves Winnifred from rejection, and she gradually earns the court’s favor. As she gets ready, Winnifred is visited by King Sextimus, the real ruler of the kingdom, who is mute due to a curse cast upon him by a wicked witch. His only means of communication is through gestures, and he is accompanied by his lively Jester, played by Wally Cox. The Jester explains that Sextimus’s curse would only be broken if “the mouse devours the hawk,” adding a magical element to the story. Winnifred’s adventures continue as she shares amusing stories from her life in the swamp, charming everyone with her lively spirit.

That same evening, the court prepares for a grand ball—a celebration of Winnifred’s arrival. Queen Aggravain secretly plots to tire her out before the upcoming test by making her participate in the most exhausting dance, the Spanish Panic. The princess, however, impresses everyone by surviving the dance twice and even encouraging others to join in again. During the festivities, Princess Winifred and Dauntless grow closer, with Dauntless declaring his love for her and expressing that she’s unlike any other princess he’s known.

The plan to challenge Winnifred continues behind the scenes. Lady Larken attempts to help her escape but is caught and jailed overnight to prevent her from revealing the court’s scheme. As the kingdom prepares for the test, Winnifred and Dauntless study together, believing the challenge to involve sensitivity—specifically detecting a pea hidden under twenty mattresses. The Queen and her advisors, including the Wizard, secretly place the pea under the lowest mattress, confident Winnifred won’t feel it.

In her chambers, Winnifred is given opium and a songbird — secretly the Wizard in disguise — to try to lull her to sleep. But, despite her fatigue, she remains alert and discovers the unknown lump in her bed, even after removing the mattresses and searching thoroughly. She begins to count sheep, reflecting her resilience and honesty. The next morning, Queen Aggravain believes Winnifred has failed, but Dauntless confidently announces that she has passed. Her ability to sense the pea proves her to be a true princess.

Queen Aggravain, desperate to maintain control, attempts to prevent the marriage from happening by making excuses, but Dauntless stands firm and commands her silence, inadvertently breaking her curse. This act restores King Sextimus’s ability to speak, symbolizing the return of true leadership and harmony. The Jester reveals that the curse was targeted at Aggravain all along, and with Sextimus’s voice restored, the kingdom begins to heal. Lady Larken and Sir Harry happily announce their marriage, with everyone celebrating the union.

Final scenes highlight Winnifred’s unwavering love as she sleeps peacefully, feeling a slight pain from the hidden pea—a reminder that she genuinely was a “true” princess. Dauntless gently removes the pea, and they embrace, securing their happily ever after as the kingdom rejoices in its restored joy and harmony.

This charming story blends humor, magic, and romantic adventure, emphasizing that true royalty lies in kindness, bravery, and authenticity.