Once Upon An El (1955): cast, story & where to watch
1955 · Film
Released in 1955, Once Upon An El is a notable film directed by Daisy Aldan, running about 21 minutes.
What it’s about. "The poet Daisy Aldan (who brought Gerard Malanga into the world of experimental filmmaking) directed a beautifully evocative and impressionistic documentary, Once Upon an El, in 8mm color with a 7 1/2 ips tape soundtrack. The 15-minute film's cast included John Ashberry, James Broughton, Chester Kallman, Frank O'Hara, Olga Petroff, Kermit Sheets, and other luminaries of the Avant-Garde, the soundtrack was composed by Storm de Hirsch. Once Upon An El documented the activities of a group of writers and composers...[demonstrating] against the demolition of New York's Third Avenue elevated railway (FMC 1967, 7-8) , which was demolished anyway" - Wheeler Winston Dixon
Who’s in it. Once Upon An El stars James Broughton, Frank O'Hara, John Ashbery and Kenward Elmslie, among others.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Once Upon An El page.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Once Upon An El (1955)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Once Upon An El change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Who stars in Once Upon An El?
- Once Upon An El stars James Broughton, Frank O'Hara, John Ashbery, Kenward Elmslie and Jane Freilicher.
- When was Once Upon An El released?
- Once Upon An El was released in 1955, with a runtime of about 21 minutes.