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.
In this colourful animated short by renowned filmmaker Evelyn Lambart, a handsome frog courts and wins a mouse for his bride. The story was inspired by a popular old folk song and nursery rhyme, originally published in 1548. Sung by Derek Lamb to lute accompaniment.
The film’s ending, which is also taken from the original song, might not be suitable for some audiences, especially very young audiences. Parental discretion is advised.
The NFB's 56th Oscar®-nominated film.
This hilarious animated short is based on the century-old folk song of the same name. Old Mr. Johnson makes increasingly manic attempts to rid himself of a little yellow cat that just won't stay away...
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The NFB's 53rd Oscar®-nominated film.
This wonderful wacky animation film looks at two simultaneous conflicts, a macrocosm of global nuclear war and a microcosm of a domestic quarrel, and how each conflict is resolved. Filled with warmth and unexpectedly off-the-wall humour, the film leaves it to viewers to decide which Snit has really been the Big One.
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In this animated short, Roch Carrier recounts the most mortifying moment of his childhood. At a time when all his friends worshipped Maurice "Rocket" Richard and wore his number 9 Canadiens hockey jersey, the boy was mistakenly sent a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey from Eaton's. Unable to convince his mother to send it back, he must face his friends wearing the colours of the opposing team. This short film, based on the book The Hockey Sweater, is an NFB classic that appeals to hockey lovers of all ages.
Easily one of the most often-requested films in the NFB collection, this lighthearted animated short is based on the song “The Log Driver’s Waltz” by Wade Hemsworth. Kate and Anna McGarrigle sing along to the tale of a young girl who loves to dance and chooses to marry a log driver over his more well-to-do competitors.
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This humorous animation film traces man's carelessness with fire, from the moment that the gods take pity on humankind and give them fire to the present day. Early man is warned that he must keep fire under control, but he gradually ignores this warning. Overloaded sockets, smoldering cigarettes and other fire hazards result in the destruction of life and property.
In this film, Jean-Pierre Ferland sings Les Fleurs de macadam, about the industrial workers of Montréal who are tied to the grind and grime of the city.
A lively sing-song in which a male quartet gives rousing performances of Billy Boy, What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor, and Marching through Georgia.
A sing-song film, with the popular Four Gentlemen Quartet leading in four old favourites: Camptown Races, Bury Me Out on the Lone Prairie, Grandfather's Clock and Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay.
The NFB's 59th Oscar®-nominated film.
This animated film about the pesky blackfly is based on the song of the same title, written and sung by Canadian folk singer Wade Hemsworth, with back-up vocals by the McGarrigle sisters. It recounts Hemsworth's battles with this quintessential "critter" during a summer of surveying in Northern Ontario.
Three songs: Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush, Rock-A-Bye Baby, One More River to Cross, and the piano exercise Chopsticks, illustrated by animated figures.
Ages 6 to 12
Study Guide - Guide 1
Arts Education - Drama
Arts Education - Music
Arts Education - Visual Arts
English Language Arts - Children's Stories/Fables
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.