Ah! Les belles bacchantes (1954)
Directed by Jean Loubignac

Film Review

This film is an adaptation of Robert Dhéry's hugely popular 1950s musical hall extravaganza, Ah ! Les belles bacchantes which starred his famous comedy troupe, Les Branquignols. Whilst there is not much plot to speak off, mostly a succession of music hall acts of varying degrees of charm and sophistication, the film offers an enticing nostalgia trip, taking us back to a time when live entertainment was as popular as the cinema. And watching the film you wonder how this could possibly have been the case. Protracted beauty parades, repetitive prat falls, hopelessly inept musicians - these were once the stock in trade of the French music hall but they are unlikely to be considered quality entertainment by today's standards.

Dated though the film is, it does abound with a sense of fun and provides a lasting tribute to the music hall. The icing on the cake is the ensemble of great comedy performers that make up Dhéry's celebrated company, including Colette Brosset, Michel Serrault, Jacqueline Maillan and Louis de Funès, all of whom would feature prominently in mainstream French cinema in the years to come, none more so than de Funès. Another comedy giant, Francis Blanche, is also roped in to lend his support. This was the first film in which Michel Serrault appeared - he has a non-speaking part as a retarded musician. Whilst Robert Dhéry was most active in the theatre, he directed half a dozen other films for the cinema, which include La Belle Américaine (1961), Allez France! (1964) and Le Petit baigneur (1968).

Film Synopsis

Robert Dhéry is a theatre director who is busy rehearsing acts for his forthcoming revue Ah ! Les belles bacchantes.  The programme consists of lively comedy routines, feisty dance numbers and sensational beauty parades - something for everyone in fact.  The show's title does however cause some concern and detective Michel Leboeuf must attend the rehearsals to ensure that the show does not contain anything too risqué.  Robert mistakes Leboeuf for one of his comedy performers and offers him a prominent part in the revue..