by Hal Erickson
synopsis
Often referred to as the Swedish Charlie Chaplin, Nils Poppe emulates The Little Tramp by both directing and starring in Ballongen (The Balloon) Undoubtedly basking in the success of his initial film, Money (which earned him the Swedish equivalent of the Oscar), Poppe strives to demonstrate his comic versatility in this, his second effort. Travelling from one time-frame to another by means of a magic balloon, our hero is seen as an 8th century Viking, a 13th century Turkish Caliph, a 17th century French King and a present-day (1946) college student. Along the way, Poppe enjoys the company of several well-endowed Scandanavian damsels. Ballongen did well in Sweden, but wasn't a notable success in the US.
characteristics
- Time-travel
- Student
- Magic
