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...

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Plot Keywords:

balloon | australia | truck | escape | vacation | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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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.

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Goofs

When Glenda puts on her helmet to get on the motorcycle she doesn't properly thread the strap, yet at the next stop her helmet is properly adjusted.

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Quotes

Glenda Lake: [Danny falls on top of Glenda] Are you always like this?

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Crazy Credits

Thanks to ... the residents of Hambly Street & Environs, Botany and the residents of Bellingen.

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Connections

Referenced in Hollywood on Set: The Manchurian Candidate/Danny Deckchair/Alien VS Predator (2005)

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Soundtracks

Blink, Stay a Little Longer
(2003)
Written by Terry Ronald, Nick Bagnall
Performed by Anita Spring
Warner Chappell Music Australia
Licensed from Universal Music Australia Pty. Ltd.

User Reviews

Danny Deckchair

Sitting down to watch this film, I didn't have incredibly high expectations but after watching it, I must say I was pleasantly surprised. It will not go down as a classic piece of film, but it was an enjoyable use of 90 minutes and I am pleased that I viewed it. The plot line is relatively simple, which arguably detracts from the film, but it has it's moments, such as the moment Danny launches into the air on his deckchair. This film is more likely to appeal to an Australian audience as they will be able to relate to more of the items featured (eg: AFL football), but this still has enough in it to appeal to those not familiar with Australian culture. Overall, I would recommend this Aussie film to all people looking for a good laugh. Enjoyable!