Pretty funny comedy, with an original plot and a De Funès in brilliant, manic top shape. He is ably supported by a fine group of comedic actors and actresses.
As a movie, "Le petit baigneur" is perhaps a tad overlong, but there is much to enjoy. There is at least one superbly staged scene which has achieved cinematic immortality, and deservedly so : a scene in a Roman Catholic church, in which a priest notices the presence of a (very) rich man amidst the congregation. From the pulpit, the priest launches into an impassioned appeal for financial support. The church building, he notes, has become so neglected and so unsafe that it might as well be called "Our Lady of the Draughts". As the priest goes on and on about the dire condition of the building, it becomes clear that he is not exaggerating : the pulpit is pretty much disintegrating before our eyes. The sermon, as all good sermons should, ends with a bang...
If this scene does not make you laugh your head off, contact the nearest doctor.
As a movie, "Le petit baigneur" is perhaps a tad overlong, but there is much to enjoy. There is at least one superbly staged scene which has achieved cinematic immortality, and deservedly so : a scene in a Roman Catholic church, in which a priest notices the presence of a (very) rich man amidst the congregation. From the pulpit, the priest launches into an impassioned appeal for financial support. The church building, he notes, has become so neglected and so unsafe that it might as well be called "Our Lady of the Draughts". As the priest goes on and on about the dire condition of the building, it becomes clear that he is not exaggerating : the pulpit is pretty much disintegrating before our eyes. The sermon, as all good sermons should, ends with a bang...
If this scene does not make you laugh your head off, contact the nearest doctor.