Once Upon a Time... Life

Top Cast

Roger Carel as Maestro (voice)
Gilles Laurent as (voice)
Marie-Laure Beneston as Psi (voice)
Alain Dorval as (voice)
Henry Djanik as (voice)

Seasons

Season 1 (1987)

Buckle up for a head-to-toe adventure through the human body as this animated series explores the workings of our cells, hearts, brains and more.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: The Planet Cell (1987-09-13)

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.
Ep. 2: Birth (1987-09-20)

After the first cell is fertilized, division and diversification take place to create the 60 trillion cells of the human body.
Ep. 3: The Body Sentinels (1987-09-27)

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.
Ep. 4: The Bone Marrow (1987-10-04)

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!
Ep. 5: The Blood (1987-10-11)

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.
Ep. 6: The Tiny Platelets (1987-10-18)

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.
Ep. 7: The Heart (1987-10-25)

Globus takes Hemo and Globina on a tour through the human body’s cathedral: the heart and circulatory system. It’s an impressive adventure.
Ep. 8: Breathing (1987-11-01)

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.
Ep. 9: The Brain (1987-11-08)

Teacher introduces Hemo and Globina to the most mysterious organ: the brain. They learn about behavior, the senses, and much more.
Ep. 10: The Neurones (1987-11-15)

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.
Ep. 11: The Eye (1987-11-22)

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.
Ep. 12: The Ear (1987-11-29)

The ear is composed of cells that sense vibrations and transmit them to the brain. Then, the brain transforms them into words and sounds.
Ep. 13: The Skin (1987-12-06)

Skin is the first barrier against external aggression and helps eliminate waste. From cuts and scrapes to bug bites, it stays pretty busy.
Ep. 14: The Mouth and the Teeth (1987-12-13)

Yum! Candy! But sugar strengthens the bacteria around the gums and attacks the tooth enamel, which can cause cavities.
Ep. 15: The Digestion (1987-12-20)

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!
Ep. 16: The Liver Factory (1987-12-27)

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.
Ep. 17: The Kidneys (1988-01-03)

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!
Ep. 18: The Lymphatic System (1988-01-10)

The huge lymph network transports everything to the body’s factories. Infectious intruders beware! This place is well protected.
Ep. 19: The Bones and the Skeleton (1988-01-17)

The architecture that protects the body’s organs is magnificent! However, even the slightest fracture can cause significant damage.
Ep. 20: The Muscles and the Fat (1988-01-24)

Muscles account for almost half the weight of the human body. They also need a ton of energy to do their jobs correctly.
Ep. 21: Toxin Wars (1988-01-31)

Combat teams act as preventative barriers and are prepared to defend the cell’s nucleus against toxic gases and contaminants.
Ep. 22: The Vaccination (1988-02-07)

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.
Ep. 23: The Hormones (1988-02-14)

At the heart of the hypothalamus, Teacher shows us how this region sends out orders to satisfy all the body’s needs.
Ep. 24: The Chain Of Life (1988-02-21)

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.
Ep. 25: Repairs and Changes (1988-02-28)

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.
Ep. 26: And life goes on... (1988-03-13)

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