I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly 1963
This 1963 animated short transforms the classic nonsense nursery rhyme into a whimsical visual feast, brought to life by the golden voice of folk legend Burl Ives.
Director: Derek Lamb
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly (1963) about?
This animated short turns a playful nursery rhyme into a five-minute adventure about an elderly woman whose appetite for the absurd grows with every swallowed creature. The film's cumulative storytelling leads to a series of escalating, laugh-out-loud moments as her feast continues.
Who directed I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly?
The film was directed by Derek Lamb, who brought a whimsical touch to the project to match the song's nonsense charm.
Who stars in I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly?
The film features the voice talents of Burl Ives, whose rich narration anchors the animated chaos.
Is I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly (1963) worth watching?
At just five minutes, this animated short is a quick but memorable dive into pure, old-school whimsy. Its blend of folk music, minimalist animation, and cumulative humor makes it a nostalgic treat for all ages.
How long is I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly?
The film runs for 5 minutes.
I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly (1963) — Discover the Animated Classic Behind the Nonsense Song
This 1963 animated short transforms the classic nonsense nursery rhyme into a whimsical visual feast, brought to life by the golden voice of folk legend Burl Ives. Directed with playful energy by Derek Lamb, the five-minute cartoon follows an elderly woman whose appetite for the absurd grows with every bite—starting with a fly and spiraling into a chain of increasingly ridiculous encounters. With its bold, minimalist animation style and infectious musical backdrop, the film captures the chaotic charm of childhood imagination, where logic bends and every swallow leads to another quirky dilemma. The atmosphere is lighthearted yet endlessly inventive, perfect for fans of offbeat cartoons that pack big personalities into tiny packages.
I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly (1963) shines as a timeless celebration of the unexpected, blending folk tradition with cinematic flair. The song's repetitive, cumulative structure lends itself naturally to the cartoon's escalating visual gags, making it as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the ears. Whether you're revisiting a childhood favorite or discovering it for the first time, this animated gem offers a delightful snapshot of mid-century creativity, wrapped in the warmth of Ives' iconic narration.