Danny Deckchair (2003): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2003, Danny Deckchair is a comedy, drama and romance film directed by Jeff Balsmeyer, running about 100 minutes. “For anyone who ever dreamed of taking off.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Based on a true story, the tale of a cement truck driver named Danny, whose long awaited vacation is cancelled thanks to his scheming girlfriend, Trudy. Danny escapes his grim life in suburban Australia and blasts into the skies in a chair tied with helium balloons. A mighty thunderstorm blows him clean off the map, and spits him out far away over the lush green town of Clarence. In this new town, he rockets into the world of Glenda, the town's only parking cop. While the media back home becomes obsessed with the story of his disappearance, Danny gets to reinvent himself in this new town, and in his great adventure, he discovers a true soul mate in Glenda. Fate catches up with him eventually, as Danny's true identity is revealed and Trudy--now a tabloid celebrity--comes to the idyllic town to claim Danny and drag him back to Sydney. Danny, however, is a changed man; he's discovered what it means to be happy and has found a new self-worth.

Who’s in it. Danny Deckchair stars Rhys Ifans as Danny Morgan, Miranda Otto as Glenda Lake, Justine Clarke as Trudy Dunphy and Rhys Muldoon as Sandy Upman, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.9/10, Danny Deckchair has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Danny Deckchair page.

If you liked it. Fans of Danny Deckchair tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.