Le Naïf aux quarante enfants (1958) - film review

It is with an unshakable sense of purpose and optimism that Jean-François Robignac takes up his first post as a French teacher, in a state school in Marseilles.  His innovative teaching methods endear him to his pupils who, disruptive at first, quickly fall under his spell and start to develop a love for French literature.  However, the children’s parents and the school administrators are less enthusiastic about Jean-François’s approach and hastily call in the school inspector.  One parent, Gina, is more favourable and defends Jean-François, not realising that he has fallen in love with her…

Michel Serrault stars in one of his first leading roles in this affectionate portrait of the French education system in the 1950s.  The film is charming without being sentimental and effectively argues the case for an alternative approach to education, whereby pupils are enthused rather than intimidated by their teachers.  Serrault is excellent in the role of the amiable yet naïve schoolmaster – an unusually sympathetic part, played with great tenderness and realism, for an actor who is perhaps now better known for his dark portrayals of more complex characters.

© James Travers 2007

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