As soon as Harvey S. Potter descends upon a drought-stricken farmland, he begins to grow a mysterious but beautiful crop of balloons. Mystified by the new resident's abilities, the people of the town are mesmerized by Potter, who immediately becomes the best thing to happen to the dejected area in a long time. The happiness doesn't last long, however, when talk begins to surface about Potter's true identity.
Acting
Rip Torn plays whimsical like he's barely tolerating his own magic.
Writing
Mara Wilson carries earnest wonder against a town of sweaty skeptics.
Director
William Dear
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was Mara Wilson's final theatrical film before she stepped away from acting; she was 11 and had already done Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire.
Rip Torn reportedly took this role between Larry Sanders seasons because he wanted something his grandkids could actually watch. The man who once threw a hammer at Dennis Hopper on Easy Rider wanted wholesome balloon content.
US
