Le Grand bazar (1973) - film review

When they lose their job in a factory, Gérard, Jean-Guy, Phil and Jean try to find alternative employment – with disastrous results for all around them.  Without work, they decide to help out the owner of a small shop, Emile, who is facing ruin after a supermarket has just opened across the road.  With goods stolen from the supermarket, the four friends give Emile’s shop a new look – but will it be enough to save him?

The popular musical comedians Les Charlots crash through this eccentric comedy with their inimitable flair for anarchic slapstick and boundless sense of fun.  Whilst the film does carry a deeper social message – about the destructive impact of big business on small communities, with faceless supermarkets obliterating the friendly corner shop – this is almost lost amidst the crazy hi-jinks of Gérard, Jean-Guy and company.  This is one of the Charlots’ better cinematic escapades, featuring some of their funniest visual jokes, an indescribably camp musical number and some deliciously restrained comedy from Michel Galabru and Michel Serrault.  The Charlots’ cheerful background music (to say nothing of their outrageous hairstyles) gives the film a real 1970s feel.  There’s even an early film appearance from the great comedian Coluche.

© James Travers 2004

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