La Bande à papa (1956) - film review

Fernand Jérôme is an ordinary bank clerk who is treated as an object of ridicule by his friends, on account of his ineptitude and naivety.  All this changes one day when he inadvertently thwarts a bank robbery.   The incident also changes the way he is seen by his girlfriend, Renée.  The latter is the daughter of Merelin, a serious but ineffectual police inspector who has spent the last three years trying to track down the notorious crook, “Le Grand J”.   Fernand is surprised when his father suddenly re-enters his life, after an absence of 25 years.  He is even more surprised to learn that his father is none other than the elusive Grand J…

Fernand Raynaud, a popular and talented comic performer who shot to fame in France in the 1950s, made his screen debut in this film, in a part that was written for him.  Whilst obviously a showcase for Raynaud’s comic talents, the film is also a rather good example of the comedy thriller, a genre which was particularly in vogue in France at the time.  The film also stars Noël Roquevert, an actor with a distinguished career, consisting mainly of exemplary supporting roles.  Almost a decade before he became really famous, Louis de Funès appears in a substantial role, and one which, unlike many of his walk-on parts at this time, allows him to show a particular genius for comedy.  Whilst the plot is pretty anodyne, there is some great dialogue (from the pen of Michel Audiard), which serves the lead actors very well indeed, making this a delightfully entertaining little film.

© James Travers 2005

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