Dr. Plonk (2007)

Director:

Rolf de Heer

Writer:

Rolf de Heer (written by)

Release Date:

30 August 2007 (Australia)

Genre:

Action | Comedy | Sci-Fi

Tagline:

A comedy about the end of the world

Plot:

A scientist & inventor in 1907, Dr Plonk, predicts that the world will end in 101 years, unless something is done about it. A comedy in the Charlie Chaplin / Buster Keaton tradition. |

Plot Keywords:

Inventor | Scientist | Plonk | Doctor | Dog

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Nigel Lunghi	...	Dr. Plonk
Paul Blackwell	...	Paulus
Magda Szubanski	...	Mrs. Plonk
Wayne Anthoney	...	Prime Minister Stalk
Quentin Kenihan	...	Man on Trolley
Mike Rann	...	Prime Minister Short
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Phoebe Paterson de Heer	...	Maid
Joshua Jaeger	...	Botanic Gardens Policeman
Bogdan Koca
Jeff Lang	...	City policeman
Nigel Martin	...	Dr. Plonk

Also Known As:

Doctor Plonk (International: English title) (alternative spelling)

Runtime:

Australia:85 min

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | Silent

Certification:

Australia:G

Filming Locations:

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Company:

Australian Film Finance Corporation (AFFC)

Trivia:

The film was inspired by such silent movie performers as Harold Lloyd, Buster Keaton, Charles Chaplin and Keystone Kops.

Movie Connections:

Features Shadows of the Heart (1990) (TV)

Back to the Future... via a wooden box?

Rolf de Heer has taken his idea of a scientist who in 1907 discovers that the world will end in 2008, combined it with time travel via a machine that would not look out of place in a museum of Heath Robinson artifacts, added a good dose of well natured slapstick humour and filmed a fast paced, witty story in the style of the old Buster Keaton comedies.

In 1907, Dr Plonk (busker and entertainer Nigel Martin) discovers that the world is going to end in 2008, however no-one in his time believes him. To collect proof, he builds a time machine with the help of his erstwhile assistant Paulus (Paul Blackwell) who spends more time being badgered by Mrs Plonk (Magda Szubanski) or being forced to walk the dog (Tiberius) than actually working. Together they use it to try and collect proof of the end of the world for the politicians in their time.

Filmed in black and white and presented with musical accompaniment by the Stileto Sisters, we see Dr Plonk in the usual "fish out of water" and life threatening situations that time travel plots usually permit, with a healthy dose of societal and political commentary thrown in for good measure.

With this film, de Heer has again proved himself to be a capable writer and producer of material that, while not intended to be a mainstream production, will appeal to the mainstream anyway.

His script allows Martin's skills as entertainer to be wonderfully showcased and with tight direction there are very few low spots, and it's easy to see why Szubanski was cast in the role that she has been as she fits the role of the nagging yet supportive wife so very well.

I was fortunate enough to view it at the final dress rehearsal/preview screening with live musical accompaniment provided by the Stileto Sisters and their performance went off without a hitch. A standing ovation awaited the performers and film at the end - bravo! I sincerely hope that this movie will be available on DVD for eventual purchase and addition to my collection!