Scout toujours... (1985) - film review

In the summer of 1965, Jean-Baptiste Foucret agrees to step into the breach to lead a scout camp – in spite of the fact that he is a middle-aged man with a nervous disposition.  Things get off to a great start when the brats he is leading manage to incinerate their coach.  With no transport, the happy band of scouts continue their itinerary across the open countryside on foot, subjecting Jean-Baptiste to an endless series of practical jokes.  Humiliated, Jean-Baptiste decides to give up and go back home to his anxious mother – but his scouts persuade him to stay.  In the end, Jean-Baptiste proves himself to be the hero of the day.

After the success of his first directorial offering, Pinot simple flic (1984), Gérard Jugnot won further plaudits for this engaging, totally unpretentious film about the trials and tribulations of a comical scoutmaster.  Once again, Jugnot plays the leading role, and admirably so, bringing humour and humanity to an otherwise simplistic kind of family comedy-drama.  Some excellent camera work captures the raw beauty of the Lozère location, whilst a cast of talented child actors gives the film a sense of honest realism.

© James Travers 2006

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