A Billion for Boris (1984)

A Billion for Boris Poster

In this family-friendly sequel to Freaky Friday, teenaged Boris realizes that his television set is somehow receiving broadcasts from the future, so he starts betting piles of cash on horse races and making himself outrageously rich. Boris is on top of the world...until he discovers that something this good doesn't come without a price.

Summary of "A Billion for Boris"
The 1984 movie "A Billion for Boris" acts as the follow up to the 1982 tv film "Don't Go to Sleep", both based on the works of author Mary Rodgers. Directed by Alexander Grasshoff, the film goes into the fantastic and whimsical, mixing a blend of funny, romance, and supernatural elements. It brings back characters from the first installation, continuing the story with its eccentric and heartwarming characters.

Plot Line and Character Development
The movie focuses on the eccentric and charming Annabelle Andrews (played by Shelley Duvall) and her odd yet delightful brother Ape Face (Scott Tiler). Joining them in the story is Boris Harris (played by Vivean Vender), a wistful and rather bewildered innovator who is Annabelle's romantic interest. The tale begins when Ape Face uncovers a television that can broadcast images and events 24 hours before they occur. With this strange however effective television at their disposal, Ape Face and Annabelle ponder the unlimited possibilities that predicting the future could bring.

Boris, on the other hand, is entangled in his own dilemmas due to his participation with a shadowy loan shark, Crunch Molloy (played by John Carradine), to whom he owes a large amount of cash. Boris's financial obligation and the television's abilities become linked as the brother or sisters create a strategy to use the magical gadget to help Boris in preventing his financial issues.

Themes and Message
"A Billion for Boris" explores styles of household characteristics, young romance, and the ethical quandaries that can accompany relatively miraculous abilities or strokes of luck. The characters' interactions with the supernatural television force them to challenge concerns of best versus wrong, resolving the ethics of utilizing knowledge of the future for personal gain versus the possible benefits it could bring to others.

The relationship between Annabelle and Boris supplies a sweet subplot of puppy love stuffed with obstacles, further engaging the viewer's compassion and rooting interest for these young protagonists. As their strategies become more intricate and stakes get higher, the movie takes a look at how the characters grow and learn about obligation, trust, and consequences.

Direction and Production Elements
Alexander Grasshoff's instructions infuses "A Billion for Boris" with a sense of whimsy and sentimental appeal that is characteristic of early 1980s films dealt with family audiences. In spite of its minimal budget compared to major theatrical releases, the film manages to create an interesting and fairly convincing portrayal of its supernatural facility. The production worth, while not on par with hit standards, is sufficient to support the story and draw viewers into the unique world the movie has created.

Reception and Legacy
While "A Billion for Boris" may not have actually gotten wide recognition as a cinematic classic, it holds an area as an unforgettable part of childhood entertainment for those who matured throughout the era. Its blend of magic, comedy, and life lessons offered a satisfying, if not extensive, viewing experience. For fans of Mary Rodgers' work and those with a fondness for '80s household movies, "A Billion for Boris" works as an eccentric and pleasant romp through familiar storytelling area.

In summary, "A Billion for Boris" is a movie that captures the spirit of its time, providing an amusing mix of humor and dream through its completely lovely characters and adventurous plot. It draws attention to the significance of integrity and friendship, leaving its audience with a smile and a gentle tip that in some cases, the simplest services to life's trials come from within.

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