La Bande à papa (1956)
Directed by Guy Lefranc

Comedy / Thriller

Film Review

Abstract picture representing La Bande a papa (1956)
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
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.
Next Guy Lefranc film:
Suivez-moi jeune homme (1958)

Film Synopsis

Fernand Jérôme is one of those grey little men no one ever notices, the Mr Everyman kind who contents himself with his humdrum life and has no greater ambition than to see his next paycheque land on his doormat.  A modest bank employee, Fernand is worse than Mr Average.  Not only is he dull, he is also clumsy and naive beyond belief.  This is why he is considered a joke by all who know him.  But all this is about to change - on that fateful day when Fernand goes from being Mr Nobody to local hero.  It happens when this hapless individual unwittingly thwarts a bank robbery.  Fernand's apparent bravery wins him the love and admiration of the girl he has long had his eye on, Renée, the daughter of police inspector Victor Merlerin.  For the past three years, Inspector Merlerin has been doggedly pursuing a notorious robber who is known only as Le Grand J.  Just as he is looking forward to a life of conjugal bliss with his beloved Renée, Fernand is taken by surprise when his father suddenly re-enters his life.  This is nothing compared with the surprise that awaits him when it is revealed that his father and Le Grand J are one in the same man...
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.


Film Credits

  • Director: Guy Lefranc
  • Script: Roger Pierre (story), Frédéric Dard (dialogue), Michel Audiard (dialogue)
  • Cinematographer: Pierre Petit
  • Music: Marcel Delannoy
  • Cast: Fernand Raynaud (Fernand Jérôme), Noël Roquevert (Joseph Jérôme), Henri Crémieux (Le Professeur), Annie Noël (Renée Merlerin), Suzanne Dehelly (Gertrude, la grand-mère), Madeleine Barbulée (Mme Merlerin), Geneviève Morel (La marchande de mimosas), Marcel Bozzuffi (La Volaille), Paul Crauchet (Marcel), Pierre Duncan (Jo), Gaston Orbal (Le tailleur), Jean-Marc Tennberg (La Postiche), Louis de Funès (L'inspecteur Victor Eugène Merlerin), Paul Barge (L'inspecteur Malabouis), Charles Bayard (Le vieux marin au café), Robert Blome (Un collègue de Fernand), Charles Bouillaud (Le capitaine des pompiers), Édouard Francomme (L'agent du car assommé), Lucien Guervil (Le crémier), René Lefevre-Bel (Le directeur de la banque)
  • Country: France
  • Language: French
  • Support: Black and White
  • Runtime: 90 min

The very best period film dramas
sb-img-20
Is there any period of history that has not been vividly brought back to life by cinema? Historical movies offer the ultimate in escapism.
The greatest French Films of all time
sb-img-4
With so many great films to choose from, it's nigh on impossible to compile a short-list of the best 15 French films of all time - but here's our feeble attempt to do just that.
The very best of German cinema
sb-img-25
German cinema was at its most inspired in the 1920s, strongly influenced by the expressionist movement, but it enjoyed a renaissance in the 1970s.
The best French Films of the 1910s
sb-img-2
In the 1910s, French cinema led the way with a new industry which actively encouraged innovation. From the serials of Louis Feuillade to the first auteur pieces of Abel Gance, this decade is rich in cinematic marvels.
The brighter side of Franz Kafka
sb-img-1
In his letters to his friends and family, Franz Kafka gives us a rich self-portrait that is surprisingly upbeat, nor the angst-ridden soul we might expect.
 

Other things to look at


Copyright © filmsdefrance.com 1998-2024
All rights reserved



All content on this page is protected by copyright