Film Review
The enormous popularity of
Le
Tribunal, a radio show broadcast in the early 1950s on Radio
Luxembourg, led to not one but two films, with the star of the show,
Yves Deniaud, playing the central character Monsieur Leguignon in both
films. After the success of
Monsieur Leguignon lampiste
(1952) director Maurice Labro was tasked with making a sequel,
Leguignon guérisseur, with Deniaud
once again partnered by Jane Marken and subjected (as in the radio
show) to a series of ludicrous trials which end up favouring the little
man.
As in the first film, there is an unmistakable political subtext to the
story, which, in addition to some humorous swipes at tax inspectors,
health practitioners and the legal system, seems to come out in favour
of 'alternative medicine', many years before the practice acquired
legitimacy.
Leguignon
guérisseur is not a great film but it is a good-natured comedy
which, like its predecessor, portrays the working class in a
sympathetic light whilst depicting the middle classes as vain,
self-serving hypocrites. Previously a well-regarded character
actor with a flair for both comedy and drama, the dour-looking Yves
Deniaud enjoyed a brief period of stardom as a result of his Leguignon
films.
© James Travers 2015
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.
Film Synopsis
Diogène Leguignon is surprised when, one day, he realises he has
acquired the ability to cure sick animals. It seems that his
healing powers are not confined to pets - he can also cure human
beings, just by laying his right hand on whichever part of their body
is afflicted. Soon people are flocking to Monsieur Leguignon's
house in their hundreds, and many are so grateful that they foist
banknotes on their healer. Not everyone is happy about
Leguignon's miraculous ability. The relatives of a millionaire
are up in arms when they are robbed of their inheritance, and form a
syndicate with other disgruntled parties to discredit Leguignon and rob
him of his supposed powers of healing...
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.