Mary Rodgers

Writing

Mary Rodgers

Born January 11, 1931 · New York City, New York, USA

Died June 26, 2014 · aged 83

Mary Rodgers (January 11, 1931 – June 26, 2014) was an American composer, screenwriter, and author. She wrote the novel Freaky Friday, which served as the basis of a 1976 film starring Jodie Foster, for which she wrote the screenplay, as well as three other versions. Her best-known musicals were Once Upon a Mattress and The Mad Show, and she contributed songs to Marlo Thomas' successful children's…

Known For

Freakier FridayFreakier Friday · 2025
Freakier Friday
6.82025
MovieComedyFantasy
Years after Tess and Anna endured an identity crisis, Anna now has a daughter of her own and a soon-to-be stepdaughter. As they navigate the myriad challenges that come when two families merge, Tess and Anna discover lightning might indeed strike twice.
Freaky FridayFreaky Friday · 2003
Freaky Friday
6.62003
MovieComedyFamily
Mother and daughter bicker over everything -- what Anna wears, whom she likes and what she wants to do when she's older. In turn, Anna detests Tess's fiancé. When a magical fortune cookie switches their personalities, they each get a peek at how the other person feels, thinks and lives.
Freaky FridayFreaky Friday · 1976
Freaky Friday
6.11976
MovieFantasyComedy
School girl Annabel is hassled by her mother, and Mrs. Andrews is annoyed with her daughter, Annabel. They both think that the other has an easy life. On a normal Friday morning, both complain about each other and wish they could have the easy life of their daughter/mother for just one day and their wishes come true as a bit of magic puts Annabel in Mrs. Andrews' body and vice versa. They both have a Freaky Friday.
Freaky FridayFreaky Friday · 2018
Freaky Friday
5.42018
MovieFamilyFantasy
When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again before mom’s big wedding.
The Devil and Max DevlinThe Devil and Max Devlin · 1981
The Devil and Max Devlin
5.81981
MovieFantasyComedy
When Max dies in an accident, he goes straight to Hell. But the Devil Barney makes him an offer: if he manages to get three innocent youths to sell him their souls in the next two months, he may stay on Earth. Max accepts, and returns to Earth, equipped with special powers. However, his task is harder than expected, especially when seven year old Tobi demands that he marry his mother.
Once Upon A MattressOnce Upon A Mattress · 2005
Once Upon A Mattress
6.02005
MovieComedyMusic
Queen Aggravain has ruled that none may marry until her son, Prince Dauntless marries. However, she has managed to sabotage every princess that come along. When Sir Harry and Lady Larken learn that they are going to be parents, wed or not, he goes off to the swamps and brings back Princess Winnifred ("Fred" to her friends).
Freaky FridayFreaky Friday · 1995
Freaky Friday
5.71995
MovieComedyFamily
Fun-loving Annabelle Andrews and her uptight mother, Ellen, have a hard time getting along with each other. One Friday the 13th, they both wear magical necklaces that make them switch bodies for the day.
Original Cast Album: CompanyOriginal Cast Album: Company · 1970
Original Cast Album: Company
7.21970
MovieDocumentaryMusic
In 1970, right after the triumphant premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s groundbreaking concept musical Company, the renowned composer and lyricist, his director Harold Prince, the show’s stars, and a large pit orchestra all went into a Manhattan recording studio as part of a time-honored Broadway tradition: the making of the original cast album. What ensued was a marathon session in which all involved pushed themselves to the limit.

Filmography

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Free to Be… You and MeFree to Be… You and Me · 1974
Free to Be… You and Me
6.81974
MovieAnimationFamily
Free to Be…You and Me, a project of the Ms. Foundation for Women, is a record album, and illustrated book first released in November 1972, featuring songs and stories from many current celebrities of the day (credited as "Marlo Thomas and Friends") such as Alan Alda, Rosey Grier, Cicely Tyson, Carol Channing, Michael Jackson, and Diana Ross, among others. An ABC Afterschool Special using poetry, songs, and sketches, followed two years later in March 1974. The basic concept is to encourage a post-60's gender neutrality, while saluting values such as individuality, tolerance, and happiness with one's identity. A major thematic message is that anyone, whether a boy or a girl, can achieve anything.

Story

Once Upon a MattressOnce Upon a Mattress · 1964
Once Upon a Mattress
9.01964
MovieComedyTV Movie
Once Upon a Mattress is a musical comedy with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer. The musical story of THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA, this television adaption of the 1959 Broadway hit was videotaped in black and white in front of a live audience and featured Burnett, Bova, Gilford, and White from the original Broadway cast, as well as new principals Bill Hayes as the Minstrel, Shani Wallis as Lady Larken and Elliott Gould (in his first appearance on any screen) as the Jester. Due to the reduced running time of 90 minutes, several songs and scenes were either cut or shortened. The conflict concerning Sir Harry and Lady Larkin was downplayed so that they were married in secret.

Songs