Once Upon a Time, There Was a King...(1955)
About Once Upon a Time, There Was a King...
A selfish self-centered widowed ruler, barely tolerated by his subjects and called appropriately enough, 'King Myself, First' asks his three daughters to name the measure of their love for him. When one of them says, "more than salt", he banishes her from the kingdom. Not understanding what she meant the King assumes love can only be measured by precious metals or one's own talent, the 'correct' answers from his other two daughters. The arrogance of the King leads him to gather all the salt in the kingdom and destroy it. Of course, this backfires as he slowly learns the universal value of the substance, and of course, the essence of his daughter's reply. With the help of the wise and magical old 'herb woman', the King also learns what it means to be a true and wise ruler.
In the annals of classic European cinema, few fairy tales blend whimsical fantasy with profound moral lessons quite as charmingly as 1955's Once Upon a Time, There Was a King.... This Czech Republic-produced film, a delightful entry in the family-friendly fantasy-comedy genre, offers a timeless narrative centered on a monarch's journey from self-absorption to enlightenment. At its heart is a familiar yet potent premise: a conceited king, known rather fittingly as 'King Myself, First', challenges his three daughters to articulate their affection for him. When one of them declares her love to be "more than salt," her seemingly unconventional answer leads to banishment, setting in motion a series of events that will reshape the kingdom and the king's understanding of true value.
The film distinguishes itself by taking a universally resonant theme – the intrinsic worth of the seemingly mundane – and weaving it into a vibrant, fantastical tapestry. Unlike his other daughters, who equate their devotion with silver or gold, the banished princess's appreciation for salt reveals a wisdom beyond material wealth, a concept utterly lost on her father. This misunderstanding precipitates a kingdom-wide crisis when the king, in his hubris, orders the destruction of all salt, inadvertently plunging his subjects into hardship. This narrative arc, though deeply rooted in European folklore, carries a universal appeal, reminding audiences of the vital, often overlooked, elements that sustain life and happiness. It’s a fable that transcends its cultural origins, speaking to the human condition with humor and heart.
Directed by a notable figure in Czech cinema, the film benefits from a strong ensemble cast, including the charismatic Jan Werich and the legendary Vlasta Burian, whose performances anchor the fantastical elements with genuine emotion. Their portrayals, particularly of the king's transformation, are central to the film's enduring charm. Viewers who appreciate classic fairy tale adaptations, especially those with a strong moral compass and a touch of lighthearted comedy, will find Once Upon a Time, There Was a King... an absolute delight. It's a film for families, for those nostalgic for the golden age of cinematic storytelling, and for anyone who enjoys a tale where a ruler learns humility through the most unexpected of teachers – in this case, a wise 'herb woman' and the simple, indispensable power of salt.
Cast(28)
