Le Pion (1978)
Directed by Christian Gion

Film Review

Not a great film, admittedly, but Le Pion isn't without a certain charm, thanks to its sympathetic cast and plethora of imaginative visual gags.  The film is a gentle satire on state education and the world of contemporary literature, both of which appear to be tainted by snobbery, malice and petty self-interest.  It is unevenly paced and at times lacking in focus, but Henri Guybet turns in an engaging performance and the presence of such likeable stars as Claude Jade and Claude Piéplu amply makes up for the film's obvious shortcomings.

Film Synopsis

Bertrand Barabi has serious aspirations of becoming a successful author but, whilst he devotes all of his free time to writing, he lacks the confidence to complete his first novel and find a publisher.  Presently, he is employed as an assistant teacher at a provincial school.  It is a job he has mixed feelings about.  Both the pupils and his colleagues give him a hard time, and his unorthodox teaching methods are judged inadequate by his superiors.  Even though he feels overloaded with work, Bertrand agrees to provide piano lessons to the undisciplined son, Michel, of his neighbour, Dominique Benech.  The latter has a secret crush on Bertrand and encourages him in his literary career.

When a school inspection is due, Michel forewarns his classmates to behave to prevent Bertrand from being dismissed.  His job now secure, Bertrand continues his writing and finally summons up the courage to submit his first complete novel to a Parisian publisher.  To his surprise, the book is accepted and becomes an instant hit.  Bertrand does not allow this success to go to his head, however.  He sticks to his day job and discovers in Dominique the ideal partner...