I recently had the pleasure of watching "Onkel Bill fra New York" (1959), directed by Peer Guldbrandsen, and I must say that it was a delightful and charming film. The trope of cross-dressing, with a man pretending to be a woman, was a central element of the story, but it was executed in such a way that it worked well and added to the overall humor and atmosphere of the film.
The main characters were played brilliantly by the cast, with Helle Virkner as Susanne Høy, stealing the show as a superstar. Her chemistry with Dirch Passer, who played her husband Hans Høy, was palpable, and their constant arguments and reconciliations were hilarious to watch. Emil Hass Christensen played the eccentric Uncle Bill, whose visit to Copenhagen caused quite a stir, and Ulla Lock portrayed his daughter Kate, who added to the chaos and confusion. Ove Sprogøe (best known for his iconic role as Egon Olsen in the Danish film series "Olsen Banden") portrays the character of Johny Jensen, the reluctant cross-dresser, with comedic understatement who falls for Kate.
The film's setting in Copenhagen and New York was beautifully captured by the cinematography of Aage Wiltrup, and the music by Sven Gyldmark added to the film's charm. The production design by Otto Lund and Jørgen Krogh was also noteworthy, as it helped to transport the audience to a different time and place.
Overall, "Onkel Bill fra New York" is a fun and lighthearted film that is sure to leave you with a smile on your face. It is a testament to the talents of the director and the cast, particularly Helle Virkner, who shines in every scene she appears in. I would highly recommend this film to anyone looking for a good laugh and a feel-good story.
