ABBA: The Movie (1977)

Director:

Lasse Hallström

Writers:

Robert Caswell (written by)
Lasse Hallström (writer)

Release Date:

23 December 1977 (Finland)

Genre:

Music

Plot:

An incompetent radio DJ tries to get an interview with the Swedish pop group during their famous week-long 1977 tour of Australia.

Plot Keywords:

ABBA | Interview | Radio | Concert | Disc Jockey

Cast

Anni-Frid Lyngstad	...	Anni-Frid
Benny Andersson	...	Benny
Björn Ulvaeus	...	Björn
Agnetha Fältskog	...	Agnetha
Robert Hughes	...	Ashley Wallace, the disc Jockey
Tom Oliver	...	Bodyguard / Bartender / Taxi Driver
Bruce Barry	...	Radio Station Manager
Stig Anderson	...	ABBA Manager
Calvin Cross	...	Featured Fan
Ivar Dahlbom	...	Featured Fan
Harry Lawrence	...	Featured Fan
Michael Mansson	...	Hotel receptionist (as Michael Manson)
Sandy Mansson	...	Girl in box office (as Sandy Manson)
Ray Marshall	...	Featured Fan
Frances Matthews	...	Featured Fan

Runtime:

96 min

Country:

Australia | Sweden

Language:

English | Swedish

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo

Certification:

Finland:K-3 (2005) | Finland:S (1977) | Singapore:PG | Argentina:Atp | Australia:G | Canada:PG (Ontario) | France:U | Sweden:Btl | UK:U | USA:G | Canada:G (Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Québec)

Filming Locations:

Adelaide Airport, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Company:

Polar Music International

Trivia:

Director Cameo: [Lasse Hallström]sitting in the background on a park bench when the DJ is interviewing a man about Abba. Being in the far left part of the screen, he can only be seen in the letterbox version.

Quotes:

Reporter: Is it true you are the proud recipient of an award as the lady with the most sexiest bottom?
Agnetha: How can I answer to that? I don't know... I haven't seen it!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Ebba the Movie (1982)

Soundtrack:

Ring Ring

The movie itself and its significance in Australian culture

ABBA - The Movie... a movie that gives a snapshot of ABBA (one of, if not THE most influential group of 1970s pop), and more importantly, a snapshot of Australia in March 1977.

The movie opens with dialogue setting up the premise that a country music DJ is given the next to impossible assignment of interviewing ABBA during their March 1977 tour of Australia. Next, a shot of a Qantas 747 flying above the Sydney Harbour Bridge and on to their arrival and tour.

Throughout the rest of the movie, the thin plotline shows the DJ Ashley's (Robert Hughes) attempts to get an interview with the group, generously interspersed with footage of the group on stage in the major Australian capitals, back stage, at their hotel and so on.

Fledgeling director (at the time) Lasse Hallstrom puts it all together and makes it all come across as charming.

The lesser known delights - interviews with members of the Australian public, an absolute charming segment with Australian children in a ballet school, and footage from their first Australian press conference. The movie is virtually a documentary of the tour, with the story line woven in for effect.

A lot of fun, well put together, and certainly worth a watch - definitely transports you right into Australia, March 1977, accompanied by some of the most timeless music ever made.