Once Upon A Disney

An educational podcast detailing principles of screenwriting and storytelling using Disney narrative filmography from the 20th Century.

Pollyanna (1960)

We're ever so glad you joined us! Larry and Andie head to Harrington to analyze a new sheriff in town and notice dozens of themes emerging in this iconic Disney live action.

12-21
01:05:40

Finding Nemo (2003)

Our final episode of Season 6 is a practically perfect in every way screenplay! Topics include: protagonists and deuteragonists, why this Mahnishtahnah is necessary, and a pitch from Larry that makes Andie cry!

06-26
54:06

The Rocketeer (1991)

Larry and Andie are mixed on this comic book adaptation. Topics include a tonally different mahnishtahnah, what we need from a superhero movie, and Larry's comparison of this movie to Aladdin.

06-19
56:08

DuckTales The Movie (1990)

Andie and Larry offer a lot of fixes to this TV-spinoff film. Topics include protagonist and inciting incident troubles, the need to re-introduce audiences to characters, and parallels to Aladdin.

06-12
54:37

Haunted Mansion (2003)

Of course...you can always choose...OUR WAY! Larry and Andie unravel this spooky sleeper. Topics include a functional Mahnishtahnah, MORE CONFLICT, and Andie's billion dollar idea.

05-29
50:15

Brother Bear (2003)

Andie and Larry manage their emotions to handle this spiritual Disney experience. Topics include a hard to find inciting incident, a discussion about different protagonists, and general cosmological questions.

05-22
54:14

Bonus Episode: Goof Troop- Forever Goof (1992)

Listener Beware: Larry has the darkest possible take on Goof Troop, and really goes through some things. Is this show actually a psychological horror series, as he claims?

05-17
28:03

Bonus Episode- Darkwing Duck: Darkly Dawns the Duck (1991)

In this bonus episode, Larry tackles the two-part launch of Darkwing Duck. Let's get analytical!

05-08
38:29

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Andie and Larry are pretty whelmed by this 1999 teen rom com by Touchstone. Topics include: the dual plot, some cringey moments by modern sensibilities, and a scene that makes Larry cry!

05-01
01:00:24

The Lion King 1 1/2 (2004)

Hakuna Matata! Larry and Andie take on this surreal "behind the scenequel" to The Lion King. Highlights include parallels to A Bug's Life, Timon as a father, and the inspiration for this piece.

04-25
53:23

The Happiest Millionaire (1968)

What's wrong with that? Andie and Larry do their best with this musical followup to Mary Poppins. Topics include John and Bert, television structure, and how these Sherman Brothers songs mirror Walt Disney's personal philosophy.

04-17
01:02:01

James and the Giant Peach (1996)

Larry and Andie take on this Roald Dahl adaptation. Topics include the classic Disney storybook opening, the dangers of too many characters, and why this movie gets unnecessarily boring.

04-10
55:20

Adventures In Babysitting (1987) with Elana Gartner

Playwright Elana Gartner joins Andie and Larry to analyze this Gen X teen comedy. Topics include an interesting mahnishtahnah, how Chris should save the day in the climax, and the best game time with Larry ever!

04-03
01:10:09

The Country Bears (2002) with Richard Propes

The Independent Critic Richard Propes joins the Once Upon A Disney tour to talk strengths and weaknesses of this film. Highlights include tone, protagonist problems, and answering the question 'Is This A Musical?'

03-27
01:11:02

Cool Runnings (1993)

Andie and Larry hit the run with this early 90s surprise hit. Topics include protagonist problems in the sports genre, a misleading Mahnishtahnah, and an unexpected ending.

03-13
51:24

Recess: School's Out (2001) with Bryn Tanner

Playwright and artist Bryn Tanner joins Andie and Larry for this underrated Disney capstone series film. Topics include structure, an engaging soundtrack, and what an antagonist needs to do.

03-06
01:09:53

Labyrinth (1986) with Brett Niethamer

The Holy Goof's Brett Niethamer joins the duo to navigate this Labyrinth - and Larry is squarely in his Henson element. Topics in this special extended episode include surrealism, dream logic, and nonsense realms.

02-28
01:28:35

National Treasure (2004)

Join Andie and Larry as they find the gems in this high stakes family friendly caper. Topics include what makes for a good heist movie and the case for Dr. Chase as a protagonist

02-21
58:08

Phantom of the Megaplex (2000) with John Maclay

Goosebumps: The Musical's John Maclay joins Larry and Andie to talk about this made for TV phantom movie. Topics include: plot twists, introducing characters too late, and the need for story logic.

02-14
01:04:42

The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again (1979)

Andie and Larry find themselves baffled by the choices made in this sequel - or is it a sequel? Topics include: making your comedy characters protagonists and avoiding unfunny tropes.

02-07
56:16

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