Les Murs ont des oreilles (1974)
Directed by Jean Girault

Film Review

Like so many of Jean Girault's so-called comedies, Les Murs ont des oreilles looks as if the script was knocked out in an afternoon and then rushed into production the next day, to be directed by Girault blindfold.  Girault had a fair number of box office hits to his name, but this success can mostly be put down to the popular appeal and sheer comic genius of his principal collaborator, Louis de Funès, who could make almost anything hilarious.  Without the support of this giant of comedy, Girault's mediocrity is exposed for all to see, as is painfully apparent in Les Murs ont des oreilles, possibly his worst comedy.  The word 'comedy' is actually a total misnomer as the film isn't remotely funny and on the few occasions where it does try to get a laugh it is gruesomely inept, relying on cheap vulgarity as 1970s comedies tended to do.

Not only is the lead actor Louis Velle a poor substitute for Louis de Funès, he is a poor substitute for an actor and you wonder how any sane producer would allow such a bland individual to carry any film.  Velle and Girault had scored a hit just before this with Le Permis de conduire (1974), a similarly lacklustre comedy, but one that at least made an effort to be funny.  Lacking anything resembling an amusing premise, Les Murs ont des oreilles was stone dead before it went anywhere near a film camera, and you'll get more laughs at a wake than by watching this low-grade comedy disaster.

Film Synopsis

After breaking up with his wife Muriel, Guillaume, a successful writer, moves into his new house in the country with his grown-up children, Jean-Louis and Marion, and secretary Claudine.  To his surprise, Guillaume discovers that every room in his house is fitted with a microphone, which allows him to eavesdrop on the conversations of his household from the privacy of his study.  This system proves to be advantageous in dealing with his devious publisher, and he wonders if he can use it to win back Muriel when she comes to visit him...