'Mr Benn Goes Ballooning' (a.k.a. 'Balloonist') by David McKee

Seeing some children playing in the street with balloons, Mr Benn decides on a visit to the costume shop. After donning a suit and top hat he finds himself in a crowd of spectators at a hot air balloon race. Seeing that one of the contestants is on his own, Mr Benn offers to accompany him on the flight; the man accepts, but warns that they will probably lose to a cheat named Baron Bartrum. The signal is given and the balloons try to take off ; however, only the Baron’s balloon succeeds, as the rest have all been sabotaged – including Mr Benn’s balloon, which is tied to a drainpipe. Mr Benn decides to teach the Baron a lesson: that cheaters never prosper…

Ray Brooks (The Narrator)

Illustrated by David McKee and Ian Lawless
Music by Duncan Lamont (as Don Warren)
Directed by Pat Kirby
Produced by Zephyr Film Productions for the BBC

TX:
UK (BBC 2):
18th Marhc, 1971

Notes:
*Featuring Mr Benn and the Shopkeeper