Broadway producer Jerry Flynn is anxious to recapture the magic and reclaim the crowds after a set of costly flops. Outside his theater one night, Flynn meets a young boy who just might save the day. Inside a small box the boy shows Flynn his pride and joy: a caterpillar named Curly that dances to Yes Sir, That's My Baby. Word quickly spreads about the amazingly talented hoofer, and the caterpillar becomes a symbol of hope for wartime America. Soon, offers are pouring in to capitalize on this sensational insect.
Acting
Grant selling absolute nonsense with leading-man gravity.
Production
The caterpillar puppet: janky, magical, deeply committed.
Director
Alexander Hall
Cary Grant
Jerry Flynn
Janet Blair
Jeannie Thompson
James Gleason
Moke McGillicuddy
Ted Donaldson
Arthur "Pinky" Thompson
William Demarest
Brandt
John Abbott
Reporter (uncredited)
Iris Adrian
Woman Exiting Theatre (uncredited)
Henry Armetta
Barber (uncredited)
Charles Arnt
Fred Stacy (uncredited)
Lloyd Bridges
Aviator Captain (uncredited)
Pedro de Cordoba
Professor Van Dorn (uncredited)
Walter Fenner
Walt Disney (uncredited)
James Flavin
Man in Subway (uncredited)
Byron Foulger
Theatregoer (uncredited)
Howard Freeman
McKenzie (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released during WWII when audiences desperately needed distraction; the caterpillar became a weird symbol of national resilience.
The caterpillar was a mechanical puppet operated by invisible wires—Grant reportedly broke multiple takes laughing at its jerky movements.
US
