The Incredible Time-Travels of Henry Osgood

Henry Osgood, a college professor, longs for the romance of Victorian England. A wild laboratory test meant to peer into the past misfires, flinging him through time instead of into it. He soon hops between eras, trading lecture halls for gaslit streets and elegant attire as he savors a world he adores. Along the way he meets a quirky mix of historical figures and magical touches, from Merlin to Marie Antoinette, all in a breezy, comic frame. The adventure blends history and humor, keeping the tone light while exploring what happens when curiosity outruns consequence, and friendship survives the centuries. Henry discovers friendships across centuries and learns that chasing dreams can change him more than time itself.

Directed by Dave Thomas, this 1986 TV movie was written by Dick Blasucci, Paul Flaherty, and Mike Short. It pairs Valri Bromfield as Alice Osgood with John Candy as Wallace Osgood, and lines up Gillie Fenwick as Merlin, Eugene Levy as a soldier, and Catherine O'Hara as Marie Antoinette in a playful ensemble that suits the period comedy.

No major awards are listed for this TV movie, so it comes across as a charming curiosity rather than a prize winner. Its appeal lies in the comedy ensemble and light hearted look at time travel rather than accolades.

Among its cast are heavy hitters from the SCTV era John Candy, Catherine O'Hara, and Eugene Levy, making the film a notable meeting point for Canadian humor talents of the 1980s. The project embodies a particular flavor of TV cinema that leaned into whimsy and warmth, and it is still remembered by fans as a curious example of cross border collaboration between screen legends.

The narrative embraces a light tone that suits its era mash up, using time travel to probe longing for a past that feels elegant yet imperfect. It mines humor from culture clash without scolding, and it invites viewers to consider how curiosity shapes a life while preserving friendship across centuries.