The NFB is committed to respecting your privacy

We use cookies to ensure that our site works efficiently, as well as for advertising purposes.

If you do not wish to have your information used in this way, you can modify your browser settings before continuing your visit.

Learn more
Skip to content Accessibility
My List
Your request could not be processed.
This film is already in your list
New release
Coming 
None

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly

1963 5 min
Leaving soon

This short animation film is cartoon illustration of the eponymous nonsense song by Canadian folksinger Alan Mills. Sung by Burl Ives, the song is given an unbridled interpretation by the cartoonist, and by the end of the song, our old lady has swallowed much more than a fly.

We're sorry, this content is not available in your location.
Your rental expires on
None
You've already purchased this film.
Download it from My purchases.
Not available
Share
I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly

Details

This short animation film is cartoon illustration of the eponymous nonsense song by Canadian folksinger Alan Mills. Sung by Burl Ives, the song is given an unbridled interpretation by the cartoonist, and by the end of the song, our old lady has swallowed much more than a fly.
  • singer
    Burl Ives
  • direction
    Derek Lamb
  • story
    Derek Lamb
  • animation
    Kaj Pindal
  • words
    Rose Bonne
  • music
    Alan Mills
  • arrangements
    Eldon Rathburn
  • sound effects
    Karl Duplessis
  • camera
    James Wilson
  • re-recording
    Murray Fallen
    Ron Alexander
  • producer
    Colin Low
  • executive producer
    Tom Daly

Enjoy the NFB experience on your favourite device

Education

Ages 6 to 12
Study Guide
School subjects

Use pantomime actions to re-enact different parts of the song. Organize the items the Old Lady swallowed from smallest to largest. What patterns are presented in this song? (e.g., repetition). Create an alternative ending to the song. Research Burl Ives and his contribution to music and Broadway.

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
Purchase options
Also available
Billing Information
Already paid to see this film?
Payment information

Home licence (worldwide); Classroom licence (Canada only)

You may download this film for private, personal or classroom use only. Public screenings and institutional (non-educational institutions) uses are not permitted. Download films in standard or high definition. (Please note that bonus materials are not available for DTO films.) You can copy each file up to 5 (five) times, onto various devices. DTO films cannot be hosted on a streaming server. To add DTO films to an institutional or educational streaming server, please contact a sales agent to discuss pricing.

Institutional License

The institutional price includes the rights to screen this film in institutional settings and in free public screenings.