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The Red Balloon
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Synopsis
Most of French director Albert Lamorisse's films celebrate the miracle of flight, but few were as landmark as his 1956 short subject The Red Balloon. The story, told without dialogue, concerns a little boy (played by the director's son Pascal) who comes across a helium-filled balloon. As he plays with his new acquisition, the boy discovers that the balloon seemingly has a mind of its own. The little red orb follows its new "master" all through the streets of Paris, then dogs the boy's trail into the schoolroom, which drives the teacher to comic distraction. Towards the end, it seems as though boy and balloon will be parted forever....but director Lamorisse has a delightful surprise in store for us. In an unusual move, The Red Balloon in its American TV premiere was introduced by Ronald Reagan as an episode of the CBS anthology G.E. Theater on April 2, 1961. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide


Production Crew

Edmond Sechan Cinematographer
Maurice LeRoux Composer (Music Score)
Albert Lamorisse Director
Pierre Gillette Editor
Films Montsouris Producer
Michel Pezin Production Director
Albert Lamorisse Screenwriter
Pierre Vuillemin Sound/Sound Designer
Year: 1956
Runtime: 34
Country: France
MPAA Rating:
Category: Feature


Produced by
Films Montsouris

Awards
1956 - Best Specialized Film - British Academy Awards
1956 - Palme d'Or for Short Film - Cannes International Film Festival
1956 - Prix Louis-Delluc - French Film Critics Circle
1956 - Palme d'Or for Short Film - Cannes Film Festival
1957 - Best Foreign Film - National Board of Review
1957 - Best Foreign Film - New York Film Critics Circle