Les Gros malins (1969)
Directed by Raymond Leboursier

Film Review

As a film editor, Raymond Leboursier had a long and worthy career, his impressive list of credits including Jean Dréville's Le Président Haudecoeur (1940) and Georges Lacombe's Monsieur La Souris (1942). Leboursier's output as a film director is somewhat less distinguished, although some of his films are not without interest - Le Furet (1949) is definitely worth watching. Les Gros malins, his last film, is one of his weaker offerings, a stumbling comedy that tries hopelessly to satirise the deadly vice of gambling.

Part of the problem is a lacklustre script that doles out the most ludicrous plot and fails to deliver the gags with its even more ludicrous comic situations. Another problem is the casting of Jacques Jouanneau in the lead role. Amiable actor as Jouanneau is, he's hardly a comedy heavyweight and he is too easily outshone by his much funnier co-stars Francis Blanche, Michel Galabru and Henri Génès. Blanche is particularly hilarious in a completely unhinged gangster portrayal - his presence is just about the only thing the film has going for it. Eddie Constantine crops up briefly, but not long enough to do the film any real harm. We should be grateful for small mercies.

Film Synopsis

Butcher Paul Blanc is an avid horseracing enthusiast who likes to make a bet each week, although he never wins.  Then, one day, his luck suddenly changes.  In his sleep, he dreams the entire race for the following day.  The first time it happens, his well-meaning friends persuade his wife to back another horse, so he loses out on a fortune.  The next time, his winning ticket is stolen by a sinister crook named Francis.  Within no time, Paul's strange ability to pick winning horses is reported in all the newspapers and the secret is soon revealed.  Paul's dreams are caused by an unusual drug, Maginex, sent to him from his brother in South America.  The villainous Francis steals the magical tablets and then lures Paul to his home, with the intention of getting Paul to give him the names of winning horses in his sleep.  Unfortunately, the nasty side effects of Maginex have begun to become apparent…