The Yellow Balloon

Like many post-WW2 films this intrigues as much for its location photography, as the plot itself. The concept of a working class area of Chelsea would probably amaze the residents of London SW3 today, but exist it certainly did until the late 70's. Similarly bombsights, and the capacity they had to cause accidents were to be found for almost as long. I enjoyed 'The Yellow Balloon' mainly for the reasons above, and the performance of Andrew Ray. However, imo the casting of Kathleen Ryan and Kenneth More as the parents did not convince given the setting. Even worse was the casting of William Sylvester. I felt he played the role as well as he could, but due to having to desert his natural accent he never found the capability of mastering a local one. (Dirk Bogarde for example could have made the role memorable.) Despite this, it is well worth watching particularly to understand what the then censorship board initially deemed unacceptable for young adults to watch.

"the Yellow Balloon" is the second movie directed by Jack Lee Thomson, and with a B budget, directed a faced paced 80 minutes full suspensed story of a poor young teen who saw his young friend killed in an accident and getting in the claws of a killer thief. This young teen is played by the excellent Andrew Ray, also shooting his seconth movie : his wide eyes are staring dramatically at each nasty events he gets involved into. And what about his parents not understanding what happens, imagine. The rhythm of the entire movie gets more and more energic until the final chase in the sub.

Available on dvd, you can double bill with "Hunted" (or "Rapt") directed by Charles Crichton one year before with an even younger boy, aged six.

What a nice neat little slice of post-war London life this film is. Being a great fan of British films from the 1950's I was delighted to discover this near-forgotten gem on DVD and it will now take pride of place in my collection. I have always loved and admired Kenneth More and as "The Yellow Balloon" came just prior to his burst to stardom in "Genevieve" we find him here in a relatively small but very significant role as the boy's loving father. I just relish every moment he is on screen and long for more of him.

Andrew Ray is on screen for the entire film and he is moving and totally convincing in role that may have scared a less competent child actor ; he is pivotal to the entire plot development. The long list of familiar players in brief but impressive appearances keep the action moving at a nice pace and at less than 90 minutes duration you really are left wanting more and not less as is the case with so many films. Noteworthy is the intense sense of atmosphere and I love the communal cold-water tap and sink in the stairway of the family's apartment block. I heartily recommend this very British film ; I know I'll be re-watching on a regular basis along with my very extensive Kenneth More collection.

THE YELLOW BALLOON can be said to be a period piece unto itself. It is an art film that was made in the early 50's. A time when cinema was dead in the water. Especially in Britain. Television was attempting to upstage the big screen until THE ROBE debuted(also in 1953). THE YELLOW BALLOON takes place in post-WW2 London which makes it even more referential in its sociological tone. It's Hitchcockian plot concerns a capricious boy who gets misconstrued with a tragic event perpetrated by the incidental drudges of his war-torn society. The most fascinating aspect of the film is that the plot is a byproduct of the film itself. In many ways it resembles Kurosawa's HIGH AND LOW. Anyone familiar with that film or the Ed McBain story will appreciate this. THE YELLOW BALLOON is also notable as an early film by J. Lee Thompson(GUNS OF NAVARRONE)and cameraman Gilbert Taylor(DR. STRANGELOVE, STAR WARS) You might also recognize William Sylvester who played Dr. Heywood Floyd in 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY. THE YELLOW BALLOON is a lost film,which also means that it is hard to find. If you ever do find it,consider yourself a genuine afficianado.

Made in 1953 we are transported back to the still bombed out ruins of London. Frankie Palmer is smitten by a yellow balloon he sees a street vendor selling, but before he can buy it, a friend of his has already up and bought it. Now Frankie is an erstwhile 'good boy' but the green eyed monster of envy leads him to snatch it and 'do a runner' as is the common parlance. His friend follows and an accident happens that will change Frankie's life.

Luckily he is taken under the wing of some man who witnessed the incident. This is Len Turner (William Sylvester) who at first appears to be the friend he claims to be but it is not long before he is revealed to have intentions that are much more sinister all together.

Now this is beautifully shot in black and white and the scenes of London and the Tube are a great romp back in time. The actors will be known to a few, with Kenneth More doing his best to be working class, Sid James and Bernard Lee ('M' from James Bond) to name but three. The story is linear and as black and white as the film print, but it still manages to have a high degree of tension and a believability that has survived down the years despite changing societal norms.

This is one for those who love a bit of nostalgia and moreover a bit of realistic British cinema. It is only 77 minutes long but does not waste a single one and is so compelling it feels an awful lot shorter – so if any of the above floats your boat you will not be disappointed – recommended.