Five Weeks in a Balloon (film): Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|1962 film by Irwin Allen}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2023}} |
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{{Infobox film |
{{Infobox film |
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| name = Five Weeks in a Balloon |
| name = Five Weeks in a Balloon |
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| image = Fiveweekspos.jpg |
| image = Fiveweekspos.jpg |
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| caption = Original [[film poster]] |
| caption = Original [[film poster]] |
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| director = [[Irwin Allen]] |
| director = [[Irwin Allen]] |
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| producer = Irwin Allen |
| producer = Irwin Allen |
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| screenplay = Irwin Allen<br />[[Charles Bennett (screenwriter)|Charles Bennett]] |
| screenplay = Irwin Allen<br />[[Charles Bennett (screenwriter)|Charles Bennett]] |
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| based_on = ''[[Five Weeks in a Balloon]]''<br />by [[Jules Verne]] |
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| starring = [[Red Buttons]]<br/>[[Fabian Forte|Fabian]]<br/>[[Barbara Eden]]<br/>[[Cedric Hardwicke]]<br/>[[Peter Lorre]]<br/>[[Richard Haydn]]<br/>[[BarBara Luna|Barbara Luna]]<br/>[[Billy Gilbert]]<br/>[[Herbert Marshall]]<br/>[[Reginald Owen]]<br/>[[Henry Daniell]]<br/>[[Mike Mazurki]]<br/>[[Alan Caillou]]<br/>Ben Astar<br/>[[Raymond Bailey]]<br/>Chester the Chimp |
| starring = [[Red Buttons]]<br />[[Fabian Forte|Fabian]]<br />[[Barbara Eden]]<br />[[Cedric Hardwicke]]<br />[[Peter Lorre]]<br />[[Richard Haydn]]<br />[[BarBara Luna|Barbara Luna]]<br />[[Billy Gilbert]]<br />[[Herbert Marshall]]<br />[[Reginald Owen]]<br />[[Henry Daniell]]<br />[[Mike Mazurki]]<br />[[Alan Caillou]]<br />Ben Astar<br />[[Raymond Bailey]]<br />Chester the Chimp |
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| music = [[Paul Sawtell]] |
| music = [[Paul Sawtell]] |
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| cinematography = [[Winton Hoch]], ASC |
| cinematography = [[Winton Hoch]], ASC |
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| editing = George Boemler |
| editing = George Boemler |
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| studio = Cambridge Productions |
| studio = Cambridge Productions |
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| distributor = [[ |
| distributor = [[Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation]] |
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| released = {{Film date|1962|8|22}} |
| released = {{Film date|1962|8|22}} |
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| runtime = 101 minutes |
| runtime = 101 minutes |
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| country = United States |
| country = United States |
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| language = English |
| language = English |
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| budget = $2 |
| budget = $2,365,000<ref name="box"/><ref>Solomon, Aubrey. ''Twentieth Century Fox: A Corporate and Financial History (The Scarecrow Filmmakers Series)''. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press, 1989. {{ISBN|978-0-8108-4244-1}}. p253 says $2.35 million</ref> |
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| gross = $1.2 million<ref>Aubrey Solomon, ''Twentieth Century Fox: A Corporate and Financial History'', Scarecrow Press, 1989</ref> |
| gross = $1.2 million<ref>Aubrey Solomon, ''Twentieth Century Fox: A Corporate and Financial History'', Scarecrow Press, 1989</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/variety-1963-01/page/n69/mode/2up?q=1963|magazine=Variety|date=January 9, 1963|page=13|title=Big Rental Pictures of 1962}} Please note these are rentals and not gross figures</ref> |
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}} |
}} |
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'''''Five Weeks in a Balloon''''' is a 1962 adventure film loosely based on the [[Five Weeks in a Balloon|novel of the same name]] by [[Jules Verne]] filmed in [[CinemaScope]]. It was produced and directed by [[Irwin Allen]]; his last [[feature film]] in the 1960s before moving to producing several science fiction television series. Although set in Africa, it was filmed in California. Balloonist [[Don Piccard]] acted as the film's [[technical advisor]]. For visual effects, a model of the balloon was used as well as a full-sized unicorn gondola hung from a crane. |
'''''Five Weeks in a Balloon''''' is a 1962 American [[adventure film]] loosely based on the 1863 [[Five Weeks in a Balloon|novel of the same name]] by [[Jules Verne]] filmed in [[CinemaScope]]. It was produced and directed by [[Irwin Allen]]; his last [[feature film]] in the 1960s before moving to producing several science fiction television series. Although set in Africa, it was filmed in California. Balloonist [[Don Piccard]] acted as the film's [[technical advisor]]. For visual effects, a model of the balloon was used as well as a full-sized unicorn gondola hung from a crane. A [[novelisation]] of the screenplay was written by [[Gardner Fox]]. |
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==Plot== |
==Plot== |
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It is 1862 in England. The ''Jupiter'', a manned balloon with a unicorn-shaped gondola, falls from the sky during its maiden flight. Passenger Sir Henry Vining ([[Richard Haydn]]) and his treasurer (Ronald Long) scream in horror. However, Professor Fergusson ([[Cedric Hardwicke]]), the balloon's inventor remains calm, as he planned on giving a dramatic demonstration showing the balloon's controls. On his signal, pilot Jacques ([[Fabian Forte|Fabian]]), ascends the balloon using a pressure gauge that ensures no loss of gas or ballast. Traumatized by their "near-disaster", Sir Henry, head of the Royal Geographic Society and his treasurer refuse to fund ''Jupiter'''s exploration of |
It is 1862 in England. The ''Jupiter'', a manned balloon with a unicorn-shaped gondola, falls from the sky during its maiden flight. Passenger Sir Henry Vining ([[Richard Haydn]]) and his treasurer (Ronald Long) scream in horror. However, Professor Fergusson ([[Cedric Hardwicke]]), the balloon's inventor, remains calm, as he planned on giving a dramatic demonstration showing the balloon's controls. On his signal, pilot Jacques ([[Fabian Forte|Fabian]]), ascends the balloon using a pressure gauge that ensures no loss of gas or ballast. Traumatized by their "near-disaster", Sir Henry, head of the Royal Geographic Society, and his treasurer refuse to fund ''Jupiter'''s exploration of [[East Africa]], and walk out on the professor after landing. American publisher Cornelius Randolph comes to the rescue: He will back the venture if his star reporter and nephew, Donald O'Shay ([[Red Buttons]]), joins the crew. Unbeknownst to the professor, who is told by Randolph that O'Shay is an "inoffensive young man", O'Shay is notorious in the press for his troublesome antics as a playboy. |
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On the day Fergusson intends to set sail for Africa, he learns that his expedition is halted and that plans have been changed. At the British Parliament, the prime minister commissions Fergusson to defeat a convoy of slave traders heading toward uncharted land near the [[Volta River]] in West Africa. The slavers aim to stake their claim within six weeks and take over the territory. Fergusson calculates he needs only five weeks to cross Africa by air and plant the British flag at the river. The Prime Minister recommends that he take O'Shay along as a neutral witness to the planting of their flag. However, he did not calculate the Queen sending along Sir Henry, who proclaims himself to be the "expert on Africa" and demands to be called the "General". |
On the day Fergusson intends to set sail for Africa, he learns that his expedition is halted and that plans have been changed. At the British Parliament, the prime minister commissions Fergusson to defeat a convoy of slave traders heading toward uncharted land near the [[Volta River]] in [[West Africa]]. The slavers aim to stake their claim within six weeks and take over the territory. Fergusson calculates he needs only five weeks to cross Africa by air and plant the British flag at the river. The Prime Minister recommends that he take O'Shay along as a neutral witness to the planting of their flag. However, he did not calculate the Queen sending along Sir Henry, who proclaims himself to be the "expert on Africa" and demands to be called the "General". |
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While Fergusson meets with the British Consul in Zanzibar, Jacques spots O'Shay helping to free slave girl Makia ([[BarBara Luna|Barbara Luna]]), fighting off traders and disrupting her sale. When local authorities order them to return her to her owner, Makia escapes. Angry merchants mob them, but the group is reunited, and the balloon takes off just in time. Landing in a jungle, they learn Makia stowed away to join them, they also adopt a wild chimpanzee called "The Duchess". |
While Fergusson meets with the British Consul in [[Zanzibar]], Jacques spots O'Shay helping to free [[slave girl]] Makia ([[BarBara Luna|Barbara Luna]]), fighting off traders and disrupting her sale. When local authorities order them to return her to her owner, Makia escapes. Angry merchants mob them, but the group is reunited, and the balloon takes off just in time. Landing in a jungle, they learn Makia stowed away to join them, they also adopt a wild [[Common chimpanzee|chimpanzee]] called "The Duchess". |
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The following day, the balloon sets down in the Arab city of Hezak, causing a panic. A Muslim priest proclaims that O'Shay is the [[Allah|Moon God]] and the balloon is the moon, making them instant celebrities. They dine with the Sultan in his palace. There, Ahmed, a slave trader ([[Peter Lorre]]) enters, offering for sale a kidnapped American teacher, Susan Gale ([[Barbara Eden]]). The moon emerges from the horizon, showing the Sultan ([[Billy Gilbert]]) they are not gods, but mortals. The crew flee to their ship, taking the American. As it launches, Ahmed clambers in, becoming their comic foil. |
The following day, the balloon sets down in the Arab city of Hezak, causing a panic. A Muslim priest proclaims that O'Shay is the [[Allah|Moon God]] and the balloon is the moon, making them instant celebrities. They dine with the Sultan in his palace. There, Ahmed, a slave trader ([[Peter Lorre]]), enters, offering for sale a kidnapped American teacher, Susan Gale ([[Barbara Eden]]). The moon emerges from the horizon, showing the Sultan ([[Billy Gilbert]]) they are not gods, but mortals. The crew flee to their ship, taking the American. As it launches, Ahmed clambers in, becoming their comic foil. |
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As they encounter mishaps throughout the journey, O'Shay is often held accountable. They blame him for putting the balloon in the path of attacking natives, and releasing its anchor, causing it to drift away. Finally, the crew considers whether they need two American witnesses for their expedition. Finding Susan to be |
As they encounter mishaps throughout the journey, O'Shay is often held accountable. They blame him for putting the balloon in the path of attacking natives, and releasing its anchor, causing it to drift away. Finally, the crew considers whether they need two American witnesses for their expedition. Finding Susan to be less troublesome, they decide to hand O'Shay over to passing Arab nomads. However, as they descend, O'Shay spots a sandstorm, forcing them to immediately reverse their course. |
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Near [[Timbuktu]], the balloon lands in an oasis and several of them attempt to gather food and supplies. They are discovered and captured by a mounted patrol of the Sheik of Timbuktu, but O'Shay, Jacques and Ahmed hide and escape in the balloon which is feared by the patrol. In Timbuktu, Fergusson, Susan, and the General are imprisoned as infidels, and set to be thrown from the highest tower, while Makia is put up for sale. Jacques, Ahmed and O'Shay, in disguise, purchase Makia from a slave trader (also played by Billy Gilbert). Makia warns them of the scheduled executions. The heroes fly the ''Jupiter'' to the tower, fight off a horde of swordsmen and save the others. However, as they take to the sky, one swordsman launches a scimitar that pierces the balloon and it begins to slowly leak. Aboard the gondola, the Professor calculates that with this handicap, they will never beat the slave traders. Both they and the slavers are now neck and neck, only two days away from the Volta River, where they can stake their flag to claim the territory. O'Shay convinces the Professor that they can gain the advantage if they fly through the night. |
Near [[Timbuktu]], the balloon lands in an oasis and several of them attempt to gather food and supplies. They are discovered and captured by a mounted patrol of the Sheik of Timbuktu, but O'Shay, Jacques and Ahmed hide and escape in the balloon, which is feared by the patrol. In Timbuktu, Fergusson, Susan, and the General are imprisoned as infidels, and set to be thrown from the highest tower, while Makia is put up for sale. Jacques, Ahmed and O'Shay, in disguise, purchase Makia from a slave trader (also played by Billy Gilbert). Makia warns them of the scheduled executions. The heroes fly the ''Jupiter'' to the tower, fight off a horde of swordsmen and save the others. However, as they take to the sky, one swordsman launches a scimitar that pierces the balloon and it begins to slowly leak. Aboard the gondola, the Professor calculates that with this handicap, they will never beat the slave traders. Both they and the slavers are now neck and neck, only two days away from the Volta River, where they can stake their flag to claim the territory. O'Shay convinces the Professor that they can gain the advantage if they fly through the night. |
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They reach the Volta River first, but the scimitar rips from the balloon and causes it to descend until they empty out all the cargo. As the balloon approaches a bridge, the crew spot the slave traders |
They reach the Volta River first, but the scimitar rips from the balloon and causes it to descend until they empty out all the cargo. As the balloon approaches a bridge, the crew spot the slave traders, who shoot at their balloon. To gain lift and destroy the bridge with the balloon's anchor, they climb into its crow's nest and release the balloon's gondola. This wipes out most of the slave traders, but not their leader, who continues attacking. The balloon finally hits the water close to where the river flows into an enormous waterfall. The group swims for shore, except Ahmed, who cannot swim and rides the balloon as a raft, and O'Shay, who swims back to get their flag. Both men ride down the waterfall, after which Ahmed tells O'Shay to jump to safety with their flag. Ahmed then kills the slave trade leader with a dagger to his heart. O'Shay delivers the flag and wins back the respect of the crew. Finally, Sir Henry admits to the Professor he was wrong in doubting him. The others embrace: Jacques and Makia, Susan and O'Shay, and even Duchess, with a newfound chimpanzee friend. |
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==Cast== |
==Cast== |
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* [[Peter Lorre]] as Ahmed |
* [[Peter Lorre]] as Ahmed |
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* [[Richard Haydn]] as Sir Henry Vining |
* [[Richard Haydn]] as Sir Henry Vining |
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* [[ |
* [[BarBara Luna]] as Makia |
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* [[Billy Gilbert]] as Sultan |
* [[Billy Gilbert]] as Sultan |
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* [[Herbert Marshall]] as The Prime Minister |
* [[Herbert Marshall]] as The Prime Minister |
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==Production== |
==Production== |
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In 1955, Tony Curtis announced plans to produce and star in a version of the novel for his own company, Curtleigh, and hired Kathleen Dormer to write a script. He wanted the treatment to be comic and to co-star with [[Alec |
In 1955, [[Tony Curtis]] announced plans to produce and star in a version of the novel for his own company, Curtleigh, and hired Kathleen Dormer to write a script. He wanted the treatment to be comic and to co-star with [[Alec Guinness]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Philip K. |last=Scheuer |title=Drama: Glenn Ford, Donna Reed Join in Quacks Expose; Lassie Goes Big-Screen |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=November 18, 1955 |page=B9}}</ref> The film was not made. |
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Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times 18 Nov 1955: B9.</ref> The film was not made. |
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In 1956 it was reported a British company wanted to film the novel starring [[Robert Ryan]].<ref>Drama: Engel Seeks to Team Borgnine and Thiess |
In 1956 it was reported a British company wanted to film the novel starring [[Robert Ryan]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Drama: Engel Seeks to Team Borgnine and Thiess |work=Los Angeles Times |date=June 21, 1956 |page=38}}</ref> This film was not made either. |
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Los Angeles Times 21 June 1956: 38.</ref> This film was not made either. |
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[[20th Century Fox]] had a big hit with ''[[Journey to the |
[[20th Century Fox]] had a big hit with ''[[Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959 film)|Journey to the Centre of the Earth]]'' (1959), based on a Verne novel, and made plans for two similar follow ups, ''[[The Lost World (1960 film)|The Lost World]]'' (1960), based on the novel by [[Arthur Conan Doyle]], and ''Five Weeks in a Balloon''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Conquest of Mars Told by Bradbury |work=Los Angeles Times |date=February 15, 1960 |page=C9}}</ref> |
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In June 1961, [[Irwin Allen]], who had made ''The Lost World'' announced he had secured rights to the novel after six years of negotiation and would likely make the film at [[20th Century Fox]].<ref>FIRST VERNE BOOK TO BECOME MOVIE: Irwin Allen Acquires 'Five Weeks In a Balloon' |
In June 1961, [[Irwin Allen]], who had made ''The Lost World'' announced he had secured rights to the novel after six years of negotiation and would likely make the film at [[20th Century Fox]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Howard |last=Thompson |title=FIRST VERNE BOOK TO BECOME MOVIE: Irwin Allen Acquires 'Five Weeks In a Balloon' |work=[[New York Times]] |date=June 7, 1961 |page=47}}</ref> The book was mostly in the public domain but was still in copyright in some countries.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fox Spends $1,000,000 to Promote 'Voyage' |url=https://archive.org/stream/boxofficeaprjun179boxo#page/n516/mode/1up/search/%22five+weeks+in+a+balloon%22 |website=Box Office Digest |year=1962}}</ref> Allen wanted to release the film in 1962 in time for the one hundredth anniversary of the novel.<ref name="box"/> In June 1961 Allen announced he had signed a multi-picture deal with Fox of which ''Balloon'' would be the first and ''Passage to the End of Space'', an Allen original, would be the second.<ref>{{cite news |title=Irwin Allen Signs Multiple Film Deal |work=Los Angeles Times |date=June 28, 1961 |page=C11}}</ref> |
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[[ |
[[Cedric Hardwicke]], who had just enjoyed a Broadway success in ''[[A Majority of One]]'', was cast in the lead.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bobby Darin Will Portray a Priest |work=Los Angeles Times |date=November 3, 1961 |page=24}}</ref> Fabian, who had a long term contract with Fox, signed to play a support role. Another key role went to [[Red Buttons]] who, like Fabian, had just been in Fox's ''[[The Longest Day (film)|The Longest Day]]'' (1962). |
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There was a race between two producers attempting to be the first to film the story: Allen and the [[Woolner Brothers]], who made ''[[Flight of the Lost Balloon]]'' (1961) directed by [[Nathan Juran]]. Though Verne's novel was in the [[public domain]], Fox and Allen brought legal pressure against the Woolners to drop all mention of Jules Verne from their film. The Woolner’s were also stopped from using another title for the film - ''Cleopatra and the Cyclops'', intended to exploit the hype of Fox’s own ''[[Cleopatra (1963 film)|Cleopatra]]'' (1963).<ref> |
There was a race between two producers attempting to be the first to film the story: Allen and the [[Woolner Brothers]], who made ''[[Flight of the Lost Balloon]]'' (1961) directed by [[Nathan Juran]]. Though Verne's novel was in the [[public domain]], Fox and Allen brought legal pressure against the Woolners to drop all mention of Jules Verne from their film. The Woolner’s were also stopped from using another title for the film - ''Cleopatra and the Cyclops'', intended to exploit the hype of Fox’s own ''[[Cleopatra (1963 film)|Cleopatra]]'' (1963).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Taves |first1=Brian |last2=Michaluk |first2=Stephen |last3=Baxter |first3=Edward |title=The Jules Verne Encyclopedia |publisher=Scarecrow Press |date=1996 |page=234}}</ref> Allen's film is played much more for comedy than Juran's film. |
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In Verne's novel and the Woolner Brothers' film, the balloon was named the ''Victoria''. Allen's film renames it the ''Jupiter'' with Allen giving the name ''Jupiter II'' to the spaceship on ''[[Lost in Space]]''. |
In Verne's novel and the Woolner Brothers' film, the balloon was named the ''Victoria''. Allen's film renames it the ''Jupiter'' with Allen giving the name ''Jupiter II'' to the spaceship on ''[[Lost in Space]]''. |
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Filming took place in early 1962. It was the only film being made on the Fox lot at the time, due to costs incurred by ''[[Cleopatra (1963 film)|Cleopatra]]'' (1963).< |
Filming took place in early 1962. It was the only film being made on the Fox lot at the time, due to costs incurred by ''[[Cleopatra (1963 film)|Cleopatra]]'' (1963).<ref>{{cite news |title=Fox Drops Plans to Film 'The Visit' |work=New York Times |date=March 1, 1962 |page=33}}</ref> |
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The film was entirely shot in Hollywood except for some second unit shots in Africa.<ref name="box">{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/stream/boxofficeaprjun180boxo#page/10/mode/1up/search/%22five+weeks+in+a+balloon%22|website=Box Office |date=May 28, 1962 |page=10 |title=Irwin Allen to Tour Key Cities to Promote Five Weeks in a Balloon}}</ref> |
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Allen wanted to make the film as a straight adventure movie with accent on comedy and youthful romance. He did this to attract teenage girls and mature women who might not normally go to an adventure film. Buttons and Barbara Eden were to take care of comedy and romance, Fabian was for the teenagers. It was Billy Gilbert's first film since suffering a stroke that almost killed him.<ref name="box"/><ref name="vagg">{{cite magazine|magazine=Diabolique|first=Stephen|last=Vagg|title=The Cinema of Fabian|date=August 26, 2019|url=https://diaboliquemagazine.com/the-cinema-of-fabian/}}</ref> |
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==Reception== |
==Reception== |
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The ''Los Angeles Times'' said "children will enjoy it but adults will find the whimsy heavy and repetitious."<ref>Film 'Balloon' Filled With Actors Los Angeles Times 24 |
The ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' said "children will enjoy it but adults will find the whimsy heavy and repetitious."<ref>{{cite news |title=Film 'Balloon' Filled With Actors |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=August 24, 1962 |page=D12}}</ref> |
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''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' called it "unstable but entertaining".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Film Reviews: Five Weeks in a Balloon|url=https://archive.org/details/variety-1962-08/page/70/mode/1up?|magazine=Variety|date=August 15, 1962|page=6|author=Tube.}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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* {{Amg movie|17694|Five Weeks in a Balloon}} |
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* {{AFI film|23053|Five Weeks in a Balloon}} |
* {{AFI film|23053|Five Weeks in a Balloon}} |
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* {{Rotten Tomatoes|five_weeks_in_a_balloon}} |
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{{Irwin Allen}} |
{{Irwin Allen}} |
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[[Category:1962 films]] |
[[Category:1962 films]] |
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[[Category:1960s adventure films]] |
[[Category:1960s historical adventure films]] |
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[[Category:20th Century Fox films]] |
[[Category:20th Century Fox films]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:CinemaScope films]] |
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[[Category:American aviation films]] |
[[Category:American aviation films]] |
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[[Category:American historical films]] |
[[Category:American historical adventure films]] |
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[[Category:Films based on French novels]] |
[[Category:Films based on French novels]] |
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[[Category:Films based on works by Jules Verne]] |
[[Category:Films based on works by Jules Verne]] |
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[[Category:Films directed by Irwin Allen]] |
[[Category:Films directed by Irwin Allen]] |
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[[Category:Films produced by Irwin Allen]] |
[[Category:Films produced by Irwin Allen]] |
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[[Category:Films set in |
[[Category:Films set in 1862]] |
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[[Category:Films set in Africa]] |
[[Category:Films set in Africa]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Films set on balloons]] |
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[[Category:Films scored by Paul Sawtell]] |
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[[Category:1960s English-language films]] |
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Revision as of 21:35, 21 December 2024
| Five Weeks in a Balloon | |
|---|---|
 Original film poster | |
| Directed by | Irwin Allen |
| Screenplay by | Irwin Allen Charles Bennett |
| Based on | Five Weeks in a Balloon by Jules Verne |
| Produced by | Irwin Allen |
| Starring | Red Buttons Fabian Barbara Eden Cedric Hardwicke Peter Lorre Richard Haydn Barbara Luna Billy Gilbert Herbert Marshall Reginald Owen Henry Daniell Mike Mazurki Alan Caillou Ben Astar Raymond Bailey Chester the Chimp |
| Cinematography | Winton Hoch, ASC |
| Edited by | George Boemler |
| Music by | Paul Sawtell |
Production company | Cambridge Productions |
| Distributed by | Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation |
Release date |
|
Running time | 101 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $2,365,000[1][2] |
| Box office | $1.2 million[3][4] |
Five Weeks in a Balloon is a 1962 American adventure film loosely based on the 1863 novel of the same name by Jules Verne filmed in CinemaScope. It was produced and directed by Irwin Allen; his last feature film in the 1960s before moving to producing several science fiction television series. Although set in Africa, it was filmed in California. Balloonist Don Piccard acted as the film's technical advisor. For visual effects, a model of the balloon was used as well as a full-sized unicorn gondola hung from a crane. A novelisation of the screenplay was written by Gardner Fox.
Plot
It is 1862 in England. The Jupiter, a manned balloon with a unicorn-shaped gondola, falls from the sky during its maiden flight. Passenger Sir Henry Vining (Richard Haydn) and his treasurer (Ronald Long) scream in horror. However, Professor Fergusson (Cedric Hardwicke), the balloon's inventor, remains calm, as he planned on giving a dramatic demonstration showing the balloon's controls. On his signal, pilot Jacques (Fabian), ascends the balloon using a pressure gauge that ensures no loss of gas or ballast. Traumatized by their "near-disaster", Sir Henry, head of the Royal Geographic Society, and his treasurer refuse to fund Jupiter's exploration of East Africa, and walk out on the professor after landing. American publisher Cornelius Randolph comes to the rescue: He will back the venture if his star reporter and nephew, Donald O'Shay (Red Buttons), joins the crew. Unbeknownst to the professor, who is told by Randolph that O'Shay is an "inoffensive young man", O'Shay is notorious in the press for his troublesome antics as a playboy.
On the day Fergusson intends to set sail for Africa, he learns that his expedition is halted and that plans have been changed. At the British Parliament, the prime minister commissions Fergusson to defeat a convoy of slave traders heading toward uncharted land near the Volta River in West Africa. The slavers aim to stake their claim within six weeks and take over the territory. Fergusson calculates he needs only five weeks to cross Africa by air and plant the British flag at the river. The Prime Minister recommends that he take O'Shay along as a neutral witness to the planting of their flag. However, he did not calculate the Queen sending along Sir Henry, who proclaims himself to be the "expert on Africa" and demands to be called the "General".
While Fergusson meets with the British Consul in Zanzibar, Jacques spots O'Shay helping to free slave girl Makia (Barbara Luna), fighting off traders and disrupting her sale. When local authorities order them to return her to her owner, Makia escapes. Angry merchants mob them, but the group is reunited, and the balloon takes off just in time. Landing in a jungle, they learn Makia stowed away to join them, they also adopt a wild chimpanzee called "The Duchess".
The following day, the balloon sets down in the Arab city of Hezak, causing a panic. A Muslim priest proclaims that O'Shay is the Moon God and the balloon is the moon, making them instant celebrities. They dine with the Sultan in his palace. There, Ahmed, a slave trader (Peter Lorre), enters, offering for sale a kidnapped American teacher, Susan Gale (Barbara Eden). The moon emerges from the horizon, showing the Sultan (Billy Gilbert) they are not gods, but mortals. The crew flee to their ship, taking the American. As it launches, Ahmed clambers in, becoming their comic foil.
As they encounter mishaps throughout the journey, O'Shay is often held accountable. They blame him for putting the balloon in the path of attacking natives, and releasing its anchor, causing it to drift away. Finally, the crew considers whether they need two American witnesses for their expedition. Finding Susan to be less troublesome, they decide to hand O'Shay over to passing Arab nomads. However, as they descend, O'Shay spots a sandstorm, forcing them to immediately reverse their course.
Near Timbuktu, the balloon lands in an oasis and several of them attempt to gather food and supplies. They are discovered and captured by a mounted patrol of the Sheik of Timbuktu, but O'Shay, Jacques and Ahmed hide and escape in the balloon, which is feared by the patrol. In Timbuktu, Fergusson, Susan, and the General are imprisoned as infidels, and set to be thrown from the highest tower, while Makia is put up for sale. Jacques, Ahmed and O'Shay, in disguise, purchase Makia from a slave trader (also played by Billy Gilbert). Makia warns them of the scheduled executions. The heroes fly the Jupiter to the tower, fight off a horde of swordsmen and save the others. However, as they take to the sky, one swordsman launches a scimitar that pierces the balloon and it begins to slowly leak. Aboard the gondola, the Professor calculates that with this handicap, they will never beat the slave traders. Both they and the slavers are now neck and neck, only two days away from the Volta River, where they can stake their flag to claim the territory. O'Shay convinces the Professor that they can gain the advantage if they fly through the night.
They reach the Volta River first, but the scimitar rips from the balloon and causes it to descend until they empty out all the cargo. As the balloon approaches a bridge, the crew spot the slave traders, who shoot at their balloon. To gain lift and destroy the bridge with the balloon's anchor, they climb into its crow's nest and release the balloon's gondola. This wipes out most of the slave traders, but not their leader, who continues attacking. The balloon finally hits the water close to where the river flows into an enormous waterfall. The group swims for shore, except Ahmed, who cannot swim and rides the balloon as a raft, and O'Shay, who swims back to get their flag. Both men ride down the waterfall, after which Ahmed tells O'Shay to jump to safety with their flag. Ahmed then kills the slave trade leader with a dagger to his heart. O'Shay delivers the flag and wins back the respect of the crew. Finally, Sir Henry admits to the Professor he was wrong in doubting him. The others embrace: Jacques and Makia, Susan and O'Shay, and even Duchess, with a newfound chimpanzee friend.
Cast
- Red Buttons as Donald O'Shay
- Fabian as Jacques
- Barbara Eden as Susan Gale
- Cedric Hardwicke as Fergusson
- Peter Lorre as Ahmed
- Richard Haydn as Sir Henry Vining
- BarBara Luna as Makia
- Billy Gilbert as Sultan
- Herbert Marshall as The Prime Minister
- Reginald Owen as Consul
- Henry Daniell as Sheik Ageiba
- Mike Mazurki as Slave Captain
- Alan Caillou as Inspector
- Ben Astar as Myanga
- Raymond Bailey as Randolph
- Chester the Chimp as "The Duchess"
Production
In 1955, Tony Curtis announced plans to produce and star in a version of the novel for his own company, Curtleigh, and hired Kathleen Dormer to write a script. He wanted the treatment to be comic and to co-star with Alec Guinness.[5] The film was not made.
In 1956 it was reported a British company wanted to film the novel starring Robert Ryan.[6] This film was not made either.
20th Century Fox had a big hit with Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1959), based on a Verne novel, and made plans for two similar follow ups, The Lost World (1960), based on the novel by Arthur Conan Doyle, and Five Weeks in a Balloon.[7]
In June 1961, Irwin Allen, who had made The Lost World announced he had secured rights to the novel after six years of negotiation and would likely make the film at 20th Century Fox.[8] The book was mostly in the public domain but was still in copyright in some countries.[9] Allen wanted to release the film in 1962 in time for the one hundredth anniversary of the novel.[1] In June 1961 Allen announced he had signed a multi-picture deal with Fox of which Balloon would be the first and Passage to the End of Space, an Allen original, would be the second.[10]
Cedric Hardwicke, who had just enjoyed a Broadway success in A Majority of One, was cast in the lead.[11] Fabian, who had a long term contract with Fox, signed to play a support role. Another key role went to Red Buttons who, like Fabian, had just been in Fox's The Longest Day (1962).
There was a race between two producers attempting to be the first to film the story: Allen and the Woolner Brothers, who made Flight of the Lost Balloon (1961) directed by Nathan Juran. Though Verne's novel was in the public domain, Fox and Allen brought legal pressure against the Woolners to drop all mention of Jules Verne from their film. The Woolner’s were also stopped from using another title for the film - Cleopatra and the Cyclops, intended to exploit the hype of Fox’s own Cleopatra (1963).[12] Allen's film is played much more for comedy than Juran's film.
In Verne's novel and the Woolner Brothers' film, the balloon was named the Victoria. Allen's film renames it the Jupiter with Allen giving the name Jupiter II to the spaceship on Lost in Space.
Filming took place in early 1962. It was the only film being made on the Fox lot at the time, due to costs incurred by Cleopatra (1963).[13]
The film was entirely shot in Hollywood except for some second unit shots in Africa.[1]
Allen wanted to make the film as a straight adventure movie with accent on comedy and youthful romance. He did this to attract teenage girls and mature women who might not normally go to an adventure film. Buttons and Barbara Eden were to take care of comedy and romance, Fabian was for the teenagers. It was Billy Gilbert's first film since suffering a stroke that almost killed him.[1][14]
Reception
The Los Angeles Times said "children will enjoy it but adults will find the whimsy heavy and repetitious."[15]
Variety called it "unstable but entertaining".[16]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d "Irwin Allen to Tour Key Cities to Promote Five Weeks in a Balloon". Box Office. May 28, 1962. p. 10.
- ^ Solomon, Aubrey. Twentieth Century Fox: A Corporate and Financial History (The Scarecrow Filmmakers Series). Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press, 1989. ISBN 978-0-8108-4244-1. p253 says $2.35 million
- ^ Aubrey Solomon, Twentieth Century Fox: A Corporate and Financial History, Scarecrow Press, 1989
- ^ "Big Rental Pictures of 1962". Variety. January 9, 1963. p. 13. Please note these are rentals and not gross figures
- ^ Scheuer, Philip K. (November 18, 1955). "Drama: Glenn Ford, Donna Reed Join in Quacks Expose; Lassie Goes Big-Screen". Los Angeles Times. p. B9.
- ^ "Drama: Engel Seeks to Team Borgnine and Thiess". Los Angeles Times. June 21, 1956. p. 38.
- ^ "Conquest of Mars Told by Bradbury". Los Angeles Times. February 15, 1960. p. C9.
- ^ Thompson, Howard (June 7, 1961). "FIRST VERNE BOOK TO BECOME MOVIE: Irwin Allen Acquires 'Five Weeks In a Balloon'". New York Times. p. 47.
- ^ "Fox Spends $1,000,000 to Promote 'Voyage'". Box Office Digest. 1962.
- ^ "Irwin Allen Signs Multiple Film Deal". Los Angeles Times. June 28, 1961. p. C11.
- ^ "Bobby Darin Will Portray a Priest". Los Angeles Times. November 3, 1961. p. 24.
- ^ Taves, Brian; Michaluk, Stephen; Baxter, Edward (1996). The Jules Verne Encyclopedia. Scarecrow Press. p. 234.
- ^ "Fox Drops Plans to Film 'The Visit'". New York Times. March 1, 1962. p. 33.
- ^ Vagg, Stephen (August 26, 2019). "The Cinema of Fabian". Diabolique.
- ^ "Film 'Balloon' Filled With Actors". Los Angeles Times. August 24, 1962. p. D12.
- ^ Tube. (August 15, 1962). "Film Reviews: Five Weeks in a Balloon". Variety. p. 6.
External links
- 1962 films
- 1960s historical adventure films
- 20th Century Fox films
- CinemaScope films
- American aviation films
- American historical adventure films
- Films based on French novels
- Films based on works by Jules Verne
- Films directed by Irwin Allen
- Films produced by Irwin Allen
- Films set in 1862
- Films set in Africa
- Films set on balloons
- Films scored by Paul Sawtell
- 1960s English-language films
- 1960s American films
- English-language historical adventure films