Once Upon a Forest (1993)

Director:

Charles Grosvenor

Writers:

Rae Lambert (story)
Mark Young (written by) ...

Release Date:

18 June 1993 (USA)

Genre:

Animation | Adventure | Family

Tagline:

An Adventurous Race Against Time!

Plot:

A young mouse, mole and hedgehog risk their lives to find a cure for their badger friend, who's been poisoned by men.

Plot Keywords:

Badger | Rescue | Wildlife | Mouse | Hedgehog

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Michael Crawford	...	Cornelius (voice)
Ben Vereen	...	Phineas (voice)
Ellen Blain	...	Abigail (voice)
Benji Gregory	...	Edgar (voice) (as Ben Gregory)
Paige Gosney	...	Russell (voice)
Elisabeth Moss	...	Michelle (voice) (as Elizabeth Moss)
Paul Eiding	...	Abigail's Father (voice)
Janet Waldo	...	Edgar's Mom (voice)
Susan Silo	...	Russell's Mom (voice)
Will Estes	...	Willy (voice) (as Will Nipper)
Charles Adler	...	Waggs (voice) (as Charlie Adler)
Rickey D'Shon Collins	...	Bosworth (voice) (as Rickey Collins)
Angel Harper	...	Bosworth's Mom (voice)
Don Reed	...	Marshbird (voice)
Robert David Hall	...	Truck Driver (voice)

Also Known As:

The Endangered (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

71 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Canada:F (Ontario) | Canada:G (Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Quebec) | Iceland:L | Australia:G | UK:U | USA:G

Company:

Hanna-Barbera Productions

Trivia:

Michael Crawford has stated he had a terrible time singing the song "Please Wake Up" as it was a grown-up singing to a child who was on the verge of dying. He had to struggle not to cry while recording.

Goofs:

Continuity: Edgar loses his scarf, and just before they go to sleep, after Michelle has been taken care of, his scarf is back around his neck.

Quotes:

Russell: Good thing you're a slow climber!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Cell (2000)

Soundtrack:

Please Wake Up

Touching movie

Once Upon A Forest is a touching film. Its strong emotions and sincere message make it as captivating for both children and adults. The central story is one of love. Three children venture into a frightening world to save one whose life has only begun. It all takes place in a world endangered, setting the stage for an environmental message - one that avoids demonizing mankind. There's even a bit of social commentary near the end. The music helps to heighten the mood. "Please Wake Up" and the closer "Once Upon A Time With Me" are simply beautiful, even if they are hinted at a bit too much. "Please Wake Up" is sung by the aging Cornelius early in the film, and Michael Crawford's emotional performance, truly on the verge of tears, immortalizes it with such sincerity. The film's only real flaw is its length. At the very least, the whole day skipped when the furlings set out on their journey could have been touched on. I could nitpick with small problems, but I won't. It's rare that a children's animated film has such heart. It's also rare that such a film dares to defy the "happy ending at all costs" attitude.