Watch The Balloon Goes Up

The Balloon Goes Up is a British comedy film from 1942 starring the popular music hall duo Ethel Revnell and Gracie West. The film centers around the two women who play the roles of identical twin sisters, Lilli and Zizi. Set during World War II, the film begins with Lilli, a barmaid, who is instructed by her boss to deliver a letter to a customer named Captain Hammond, who is stationed nearby.

But when Lilli arrives at the camp, she mistakenly delivers the letter to Captain Hammond's twin brother, Eric, who is also in the military but working as a cook. Eric is intrigued by the letter and decides to impersonate his brother and attend a meeting described in the letter. The meeting is actually a secret gathering of enemy spies who are planning to launch a new weapon that could potentially change the tide of the war.

Meanwhile, the real Captain Hammond has been sent on a secret mission to deliver important war information to British Intelligence. When he arrives back at the camp, he is unaware of his brother's impersonation and is mistaken for the enemy spy by British Intelligence.

As the plot unfolds, Lilli and Zizi, with the help of a bumbling army private named Private Walker, work to clear Captain Hammond's name and stop the enemy spies from carrying out their plan. The three of them are caught up in a series of comedic mishaps and madcap adventures which involve a hot air balloon ride, a sabotage mission, and a run-in with the enemy spies, leading to a hilarious and thrilling climax.

The film's slapstick humor, witty dialogue, and clever twists make it a delightful and engaging comedy. The dynamic duo of Ethel Revnell and Gracie West shine in their roles as the twin sisters, showcasing their comedic timing and singing talents. Ronald Shiner's portrayal of Private Walker provides a zany and memorable performance, adding to the comedic flair of the film.

The Balloon Goes Up is a classic wartime comedy with an abundance of charm and entertainment, making it a must-see for fans of vintage British humor, and a timeless comedic gem that is still enjoyable today.