Character Relationship Map: Once Upon a Time

Characters

• Jerry Flynn (played by Cary Grant) — protagonist

  Jerry is the theater owner who must raise $100,000 within a week to save his theater. After Pinky shows him the dancing caterpillar Curly, Jerry publicizes the insect and partners with the boy. He sec...

• Arthur "Pinky" Thompson (played by Ted Donaldson) — supporting

  Pinky is an orphan being raised by his showgirl sister, Jeannie. He introduces Jerry to Curly, the caterpillar that dances when he plays a tune on his harmonica, but refuses to sell his friend and ins...

• Brandt (played by William Demarest) — supporting

  Brandt is a reporter who has been feuding with Jerry and is suspicious of the claims surrounding Curly. He brings in scientists to examine the caterpillar, hoping to challenge the sensation Jerry has...

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Jerry Flynn → Brandt (Professional Feuding Colleagues) — Their professional rivalry drives Brandt's investigation of Curly.

  Brandt is described as a suspicious reporter who has been feuding with Jerry.

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Jerry Flynn → Arthur "Pinky" Thompson (Alliance Partner) — They cooperate to publicize Curly and build a successful attraction.

  Pinky refuses to sell Curly to Jerry, so Jerry and Pinky become partners in promoting the caterpillar.

Story Analysis

A desperate theater owner and a boy form an unlikely partnership around Curly, learning that their bond matters more than the sale.

Plot Progression

1. The Dancing Caterpillar — Jerry faces a one-week deadline to save his theater. Meeting Pinky and seeing Curly dance gives him a possible way to generate money.
2. A Sensation Under Scrutiny — Jerry turns Curly into a nationwide sensation. Brandt's investigation and the scientists' examination confirm that the caterpillar is genuine.
3. The Price of Curly — The demand for scientific research creates a national uproar. Jerry secretly negotiates a sale for $100,000, placing his partnership with Pinky at risk.
4. A Shameful Separation — Jerry takes Curly from Pinky but feels ashamed and leaves without the caterpillar. Curly then disappears, leaving both partners emotionally separated.
5. Reunion and Transformation — Curly fan clubs help reunite Jerry and Pinky. Their reconciliation is followed by the discovery that Curly has become a butterfly.