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

Embed this code on your site

Video player width

by Reset

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly

1963 5 min
Coming 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.

Sorry this content is not available in your current location.
Your rental expires on
None
You've already purchased this film.
Download it from My purchases.
Not available
Campus
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 - 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.

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