Edgar Bergen, as the professor, and Charlie McCarthy are at a fair to demonstrate their hot air balloon with a spherical gondola that is aptly named "The Spitit of Ammonie." Bergen wasn't much of a ventriloquist but oh we're he and his dummy Charlie funny. As was usual Charlie got the best lines and most of the laughs. Often the laughs were at the expense of Edgar who was a wonderful straight man. After liftoff, things soon go awry and the duo are soon in trouble. A rescue team calls them on the radio and Charlie tells the professor "They want to know if we need help.? Replies the professor: "Tell them of course we need help you darn fool." So of course, Charlie tells them "Of course we need help you darn fool." They crash onto the property of the Apple Valley Asylum. Almira Sessions is easily recognizable as the woman who launches the balloon, and a friend of mine is sure that the young flirt who tries to hitch a ride with the pair is Patricia Morrison. Since she is never shown in full face, it's hard to be sure but it's certainly possible as she is credited with having done another short that year. This is a fun short that is available on YouTube in a compilation of comedy shorts.
4 Reviews
Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy take a trip that goes awry
Paularoc14 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Up In A Balloon, Boys
boblipton7 September 2022
Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy go on a balloon ride and wind up air sick.
It's a nice replication of Bergen's vaudeville act. By this time, they were on radio, where they became huge stars, trading corny jokes. Bergen may now be remembered for being Candace Bergen's father, but back then he was a very popular radio personality.
It seems odd in retrospect, doesn't it, that one of the biggest stars on the radio was a ventriloquist act, but that's the odd way that acts become popular in any medium. The two appeared in about ten shorts for Warner Brothers, and even a few features in which McCarthy traded insults with W. C. Fields.
It's a nice replication of Bergen's vaudeville act. By this time, they were on radio, where they became huge stars, trading corny jokes. Bergen may now be remembered for being Candace Bergen's father, but back then he was a very popular radio personality.
It seems odd in retrospect, doesn't it, that one of the biggest stars on the radio was a ventriloquist act, but that's the odd way that acts become popular in any medium. The two appeared in about ten shorts for Warner Brothers, and even a few features in which McCarthy traded insults with W. C. Fields.
Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy
SnoopyStyle12 September 2022
Professor Cicero Pu (Edgar Bergen) and his dummy Charlie McCarthy are going up in their "Spirit of Ammonia" hot air balloon. They intend to break the record and collect readings.
Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy are one of the most famous ventriloquist act of their time. I would describe most of their comedy as dad humor. Humor has changed a lot over the years. It's mildly humorous compared to the modern day. I actually like their exchange with the young lady. It's too bad that the actresses' name isn't listed here. It's probably lost to history. Once they're in the balloon, Bergen is nailed to the chair. He should try standing up and doing more physical comedy at that point. The turbulence is perfect for doing some slapstick.
Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy are one of the most famous ventriloquist act of their time. I would describe most of their comedy as dad humor. Humor has changed a lot over the years. It's mildly humorous compared to the modern day. I actually like their exchange with the young lady. It's too bad that the actresses' name isn't listed here. It's probably lost to history. Once they're in the balloon, Bergen is nailed to the chair. He should try standing up and doing more physical comedy at that point. The turbulence is perfect for doing some slapstick.
what can i say...
sam-33027 February 2001
cinema at it's best, the serious but inspiring title only supplements the films greatness. i have seen this film 67 times and would recommend it to anyone whos anyone. your eyes will never be dry again, watch this film and your life will change, two boobs alone would be the greatest film ever but they went that extra mile and added the balloons, my god what a film.
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