Karlsson from the roof – Världens bästa Karlsson (1974)

Directed by: Olle Hellbom | 95 minutes | family | Actors: Lars Söderdahl, Mats Wikström, Catrin Westerlund, Stig Ossian Ericson, Staffan Hallerstam, Britt Marie Näsholm, Nils Lagergren, Maria Selander, Pär Kjellin, Janne ‘Loffe’ Carlsson, Gösta Wälivaara, Catti Edfeldt, Jan Nygren, Maud Hansson

Astrid Lindgren, the world’s most famous children’s author, is responsible for a wealth of wonderful and fairytale-like characters, but also managed to create real children with the stroke of a pen, who you would immediately believe could live next door. In ‘Karlsson van de dak’ such a normal family plays the leading role: father, mother and three children, Bosse, Bettan and Lillebror. Lillebror is the main character, at seven years old he is the youngest member of the family and always feels lonely. Although he does have a few friends, he would love to have a dog. He regularly takes neighborhood dogs to the park and dreams in his bedroom of his approaching birthday, so he finally has a chance to see his wish come true.

One day Lillebror, which literally means ‘little brother’ in Swedish, meets a very strange little man, Karlsson. Karlsson can fly thanks to the propeller in his back. He lives on the roof near where Lillebror lives with his family. They soon become friends. Lillebror would like to introduce his family to his new comrade, but something always gets in the way… Could it be that his brother, sister and parents are right and that Karlsson is just a fantasy friend? Before you find out, Lillebror and Karlsson have already had many adventures.

‘Karlsson van de dak’ was published in 1955 and first made into a film some twenty years later. Olle Hellbom, who has almost made it his life’s work to bring Lindgren’s children’s books to the silver screen, took over the direction. It is a feast of recognition for fans of the book. The story lends itself well to a movie, it’s amusing, exciting and the whole family will have fun with Karlsson’s pranks.

The actors are well cast and are completely natural. The children also act as if they are barely aware of a camera aimed at them. The momentum is good and the way in which Karlsson’s propeller is put to work is presented in a simple but effective and credible way. Of course it can be seen that the flight scenes are not real, but not too striking and it does not disturb for a moment. ‘Karlsson van de dak’ is a must for anyone who is already familiar with Astrid Lindgren’s work. And who isn’t?