Signes extérieurs de richesse (1983)
Directed by Jacques Monnet

Film Review

Having made a statement (of sorts) with his boisterous debut feature Clara et les chics types (1981), director Jacques Monnet returned with a similarly off-kilter comedy, one that lobs in our direction an even more mind-blowing ensemble cast. Like Monnet's previous offering, it is a film that falls way short of our expectations and fails to make the most of its original premise. It is left to the plethora of high calibre acting talent to compensate for weaknesses in the script and direction, but on this occasion the effort is not rewarded by a successful outcome.  Signes extérieurs de richesse doesn't exactly fall flat on its face but neither does it prove to be high class entertainment. The humour is laboured, the narrative struggles to keep going, and the direction is almost totally lacking in inspiration. Thankfully, the principal cast are on fine film and it is thanks to the combined efforts of Claude Brasseur, Josiane Balasko and Jean-Pierre Marielle that the film is as entertaining at is. What could so easily have been a dazzling satire barely makes the grade as a second rate farce. Monnet would regain our respect with his subsequent film La Femme du cosmonaute (1998).

Film Synopsis

Jean-Jacques Lestrade, known to his friends as Gigi, is a veterinary surgeon who has grown accustomed to living the high life.  His clientele of well-heeled Parisian pet owners have provided him with a large enough income for him to enjoy the rich playboy lifestyle.  He has expensive cars, a lavishly adorned apartment and makes a habit of travelling to far-off climes for his holidays.  He also has an ex-wife who bleeds him like a leech.  How can Lestrade afford to live like this?  Easy: he doesn't pay any tax!

So far, the vet's wilful tax evasion has gone completely unnoticed, but his luck is about to run out.  Eager to prove herself, rookie tax inspector Béatrice Flamand comes crashing into Lestrade's life with the devastating impact of a tsunami.  In desperation, the vet enlists the help of his friend Bouvier, but things only go from bad to worse.  Nothing short of a miracle will save Lestrade from the unvarnished wrath of the French tax office...