One Danish newspaper organized a contest in 1928 to celebrate 100 years since Jules Verne was born.
The winner will echo the global adventure that Verne’s character Phileas fogg embarked upon in Around the World in 80 Days. It was adapted by the BBC. David Tennant stars as Doctor Who.
The award was only open to teenage boys. It was won by Palle, a 15-year old boy scout.
Huld’s 44-day trip took him through many countries, including England, Canada and Japan. He also visited China, China, and Communist Russia.
One year later, an imaginary boy who had a similar streak of globetrotting appeared in the pages a Brussels newspaper. He had the same bright red hair as his mother and freckles.
Tintin, the creation of comic artist Georges Remi – who was popularly known as Herge – went on to become one of the world’s best-known comic book characters.
Although no one can be certain that Huld (who died in 2010 following a career as an actor) inspired Herge, there are many who believe this because of the incredible physical similarities and timing between Tintin’s real-life character and Huld.
Palle Huld (15 years old) from Denmark won the newspaper contest to commemorate 100 years of Jules Verne’s birth in 1928. In Verne’s novel Around the World in 80 Days, Verne wrote that the winner would echo the same globe-trotting journey Phileas Fogg took. Above: Red Square in Moscow by Huld
Huld’s 44-day trip took him through many countries, including England, Canada and Japan. He also visited China, Japan and Communist Russia. Above is the Daily Mail’s report on Huld, Paris and his fellow Scouts soon after he returned from his trip.
After he won the Danish Politiken competition, Huld began his trip.
The trip is only open to boys and the winner must travel the world unaccompanied. It should be completed in 46 days.
Huld’s trip is covered in detail by the Daily Mail
The law allowed them to travel by any other means of transportation than aeroplane. Huld was already a graduate of high school, and was working as an assistant in a car dealership.
In March 1928, he left Denmark and traveled by steamship and train. Newspapers followed his every step.
He poses in Moscow’s Red Square, in one of his photos taken during his travels.
Copenhagen welcomed him back to its streets with 20,000 cheers when he got home. According to reports, his mother was relieved and received sleeping pills for the entire duration of his trip.
Huld wrote a book on his adventures which was published in 1929.
Huld, who returned to the stage six years later from his trip, made his debut on the stage in 1934. After that, he continued his appearances on TV and in Danish films until 2000.
Despite Herge’s insistence on not being forthcoming about Tintin’s origin, there are many physical similarities that Huld and Herge can appreciate.
One year later, an imaginary boy who had a similar streak of globetrotting appeared in the pages a Brussels newspaper. He also had freckles, bright red hair. Tintin, the creation of comic artist Georges Remi – who was popularly known as Herge – went on to become one of the world’s best-known comic book characters
Despite Herge’s insistence not to reveal the inspiration for Tintin (pictured), it is hard to overlook the similarities that Huld and him physically.
Huld often wore plus fours while on vacation, along with his red hair and freckles. Tintin also preferred these trousers.
Over 200 million Tintin Comics have been purchased to this point.
A number of film, radio and TV adaptations have been made.
In Verne’s 1872 book, which was first published in French, main character Fogg accepts a wager of £20,000 to attempt to travel the world in 80 days or less.
Huld’s stage debut was in 1934, six years after he returned from the trip. He continued to perform onstage until his retirement in 2000. In 2010, he died. In 2002, he is seen with a copy his autobiography.
Begining his helpless servant Passepartout he embarks on an adventure that will take him through many countries, including Egypt, Japan and the US.
Boxing Day will see the release of BBC TV’s latest adaptation. Tennant plays Fogg while his son is the leader of a gang.
Photo of the proud dad and son at work. The scenes also show Tennant at various locations for the adaptation. They were filmed in South Africa and Romania.
In Jules Verne’s 1872 book, which was first published in French, main character Phileas Fogg accepts a wager of £20,000 to attempt to travel the world in 80 days or less