Once Upon a Time... Life
Once Upon a Time... Life
1987
1 Season
7.8
AnimationKidsDocumentaryFamily

Attention please! Are you ready for an adventurous tour through the human body? With a lot of humour, our physical appearance is being introduced from head to toe along cells and organs in an educational way. The heart, blood, nerves and kidneys, each single one is a miracle which renders life possible.

Episodes

The Planet Cell
E1Sep 13, 198724m

The Planet Cell

The world of cells is incredible! Activating enzymes, stopping viruses, and managing the body’s police force: it’s all in a day’s work for Teacher.

Birth
E2Sep 20, 198724m

Birth

After the first cell is fertilized, division and diversification take place to create the 60 trillion cells of the human body.

The Body Sentinels
E3Sep 27, 198726m

The Body Sentinels

The body’s police force is taught to neutralize its enemies (microbes and viruses), which reproduce at an alarming rate! It’s a very complex task.

The Bone Marrow
E4Oct 4, 198726m

The Bone Marrow

Red blood cells, the body’s police force, are created in the bone marrow but sometimes, the factory breaks down and wayward policemen come out. Uh oh!

The Blood
E5Oct 11, 198725m

The Blood

The steadfast red blood cells have come down with the flu! Pedrito and Psi get some help from the Teacher’s antibodies to beat the enemy.

The Tiny Platelets
E6Oct 18, 198724m

The Tiny Platelets

Pedrito cuts his finger with a dirty knife. While the platelets try to cure the wound, the white blood cells fight off the filthy invaders.

The Heart
E7Oct 25, 198726m

The Heart

Globus takes Hemo and Globina on a tour through the human body’s cathedral: the heart and circulatory system. It’s an impressive adventure.

Breathing
E8Nov 1, 198726m

Breathing

Air bubbles travel from the nose to the lungs. In the swampy, mucus-filled areas, they meet the red blood cells that transport them around the body.

The Brain
E9Nov 8, 198726m

The Brain

Teacher introduces Hemo and Globina to the most mysterious organ: the brain. They learn about behavior, the senses, and much more.

The Neurones
E10Nov 15, 198726m

The Neurones

The body’s messengers run around sending and receiving information about feelings like hunger and cold. They work day and night and never take breaks.

The Eye
E11Nov 22, 198726m

The Eye

Eyes are magical! They break down and transmit images to the brain. What happens if a speck of dust gets into one? It’s tear enzymes to the rescue.

The Ear
E12Nov 29, 198726m

The Ear

The ear is composed of cells that sense vibrations and transmit them to the brain. Then, the brain transforms them into words and sounds.

The Skin
E13Dec 6, 198726m

The Skin

Skin is the first barrier against external aggression and helps eliminate waste. From cuts and scrapes to bug bites, it stays pretty busy.

The Mouth and the Teeth
E14Dec 13, 198726m

The Mouth and the Teeth

Yum! Candy! But sugar strengthens the bacteria around the gums and attacks the tooth enamel, which can cause cavities.

The Digestion
E15Dec 20, 198726m

The Digestion

After a tasty meal the food starts its journey to the stomach where it will be broken down depending on what properties it has. But don’t overdo it!

The Liver Factory
E16Dec 27, 198726m

The Liver Factory

The liver is fundamental. It doesn’t weigh a lot but it uses almost as much oxygen as the heart! It makes proteins, corpuscles, and helps heal cuts.

The Kidneys
E17Jan 3, 198827m

The Kidneys

Toxic elements head to the kidneys where they are categorized. The good ones are salvaged but the bad ones are sent to the bladder. Have a good trip!

The Lymphatic System
E18Jan 10, 198826m

The Lymphatic System

The huge lymph network transports everything to the body’s factories. Infectious intruders beware! This place is well protected.

The Bones and the Skeleton
E19Jan 17, 198826m

The Bones and the Skeleton

The architecture that protects the body’s organs is magnificent! However, even the slightest fracture can cause significant damage.

The Muscles and the Fat
E20Jan 24, 198826m

The Muscles and the Fat

Muscles account for almost half the weight of the human body. They also need a ton of energy to do their jobs correctly.

Toxin Wars
E21Jan 31, 198826m

Toxin Wars

Combat teams act as preventative barriers and are prepared to defend the cell’s nucleus against toxic gases and contaminants.

The Vaccination
E22Feb 7, 198826m

The Vaccination

Vaccines bring us so many benefits! People who don’t get vaccinated run the risk of contracting a disease that is stronger than our natural defenses.

The Hormones
E23Feb 14, 198826m

The Hormones

At the heart of the hypothalamus, Teacher shows us how this region sends out orders to satisfy all the body’s needs.

The Chain Of Life
E24Feb 21, 198826m

The Chain Of Life

A walk in the forest is the perfect way to learn about the extraordinary food chain that exists between the sun, vegetation, animals, and man.

Repairs and Changes
E25Feb 28, 198826m

Repairs and Changes

Pedrito is 8 years old and is tired after a long day. When he goes to bed, Teacher and his helpers observe the activity that continues during sleep.

And life goes on...
E26Mar 13, 198827m

And life goes on...

Pedrito wants to know why his grandpa can’t play ball anymore, so he tells Pedrito an old story about a sphinx.

Top Cast

Roger Carel

Roger Carel

Maestro (voice)

Gilles Laurent

Gilles Laurent

(voice)

Marie-Laure Beneston

Marie-Laure Beneston

Psi (voice)

Alain Dorval

Alain Dorval

(voice)

Henry Djanik

Henry Djanik

(voice)