Danny Deckchair (2003)

An Aussie becomes a national sensation when he lifts off in his deck chair tied to balloons.

Director:

Jeff Balsmeyer

Writers:

Jeff Balsmeyer, Lizzie Bryant (additional dialogue)

Stars:

Rhys Ifans, Miranda Otto, Justine Clarke

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Rhys Ifans	...	Danny Morgan
Miranda Otto	...	Glenda Lake
Justine Clarke	...	Trudy Dunphy
Rhys Muldoon	...	Sandy Upman
John Batchelor	...	Pete
Alan Flower	...	Ray Vitali
Julie Wood	...	Kate (as Jules Sobotta)
Brian Langsworth	...	Real Estate Agent
Steve Rassios	...	Real Estate Agent (as Steven Rassios)
Madeleine James	...	Real Estate Woman
Jane Ruggiero	...	Donna
Gina Bortolin	...	Helen Costas
Duncan Young	...	Phil Stubbs
Garrie Scott	...	Party Shop Assistant
Richard Johnson	...	Passerby

Storyline

Based on a true story, the tale of a cement truck driver named Danny, whose long awaited vacation is cancelled thanks to his scheming girlfriend, Trudy. Danny escapes his grim life in suburban Australia and blasts into the skies in a chair tied with helium balloons. A mighty thunderstorm blows him clean off the map, and spits him out far away over the lush green town of Clarence. In this new town, he rockets into the world of Glenda, the town's only parking cop. While the media back home becomes obsessed with the story of his disappearance, Danny gets to reinvent himself in this new town, and in his great adventure, he discovers a true soulmate in Glenda. Fate catches up with him eventually, as Danny's true identity is revealed and Trudy--now a tabloid celebrity--comes to the idyllic town to claim Danny and drag him back to Sydney. Danny, however, is a changed man; he's discovered what it means to be happy and has found a new self-worth. Saying farewell to Trudy, Danny makes a dynamic...

---

Plot Keywords:

balloon | australia | truck | escape | vacation | 

---

Taglines:

A story of a guy, a deckchair and a bunch of balloons. [Scandinavian DVD.]

---

Genres:

Comedy | Romance

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for sex-related situations

Details

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

31 July 2003 (Australia)

Also Known As:

Danny's Daydream

Filming Locations:

Bellingen, New South Wales, Australia

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$212,979 (Australia), 1 August 2003, Limited Release

Opening Weekend USA:

$10,304, 15 August 2004, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$159,279, 26 September 2004

Company Credits

Production Co:

Crusader Entertainment, Macquarie Film Corporation, Cobalt Media Group

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Inspired by the antics of "Lawnchair" Larry Walters who flew over San Pedro, California in a lawn chair rigged with 42 weather balloons on July 2, 1982.

---

Goofs

It's made clear that Danny Morgan and Trudy are unmarried. Yet when Sandy interviews her on the disappearance she's listed as being Trudi Morgan. She would only have Danny's last name if they had gotten married.

---

Quotes

Wing Commander Matthews: It's a tough country out there. We're talking nuts and berries.

---

Crazy Credits

Special thanks to Carol, Zach, Jess, Hamish and Josh

---

Connections

Spoofed in Arrested Development: Forget Me Now (2005)

---

Soundtracks

Dream a Little Dream of Me
(1931)
Music by Wilbur Schwandt and Fabian Andre
Lyrics by Gus Kahn
Performed by Brooke McClymont with Plan 9
©1931 Words & Music Inc. / EMI Music Publishing Ltd.
Licensed by EMI Music Publishing Australia Pty. Ltd.
Brooke McClymont courtesy of Universal Music Australia Pty. Ltd.
Licensed from Universal Music Australia Pty. Ltd. and Deckchair Productions Pty. Ltd.

User Reviews

Lotsa heart

"Danny Deckchair" tells of the adventures of a young concrete truck driver who decides to tie a bunch of helium filled balloons to his deck chair to soar aloft. His plan is to take shears with him to cut away one balloon at a time thereby making his descent. Instead, he leaves the shears behind and the balloons carry him to a new life and a new love. This sweet, cute, fun little flick from down-under is a fresh and creative new addition to the much over worked romcom genre. With lots of heart and unpredictable predictability, "Danny Deckchair" should be an enjoyable watch for those who don't mind a little schmaltz with their romantic comedy fare. (B)