From the Director
Jean Girault worked frequently with Louis de Funes. He directed each of the six films in the 'Gendarme' series, as well as the de Funes films "Les Grandes Vacances" (1967) and "L'Avare" (1980). He also directed Jean Gabin's last film, "L'Annee Sainte" (aka Pilgrimage to Rome, 1976).
About the Actor
LOUIS DE FUNES (1914-1983) is hailed around the world as the European king of comedy. He began in the 'music-halls' and cabarets of Paris and then graduated to supporting roles in films, becoming a well-known character actor in the 1940s and 1950s. Finally in 1963 he had a hit film of his very own with "Pouic-Pouic", and from there he became the top French comic of the decade. Some of his best known films: "Le Corniaud" (aka The Sucker, 1965), "La Grande Vadrouille" (aka Don't Look Now... We've Been Shot At, 1966) and "The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob" (1973). This is the film that began the popular 'Gendarme' series (1964-1982). In 1960s France, the image of Saint-Tropez as a city was epitomized by two things: the playful sexuality of Brigitte Bardot; and Louis de Funes' rigid, uptight 'Gendarme' character. Watch for the scene where de Funes tries to arrest the denizens of a nude beach. A comedy classic!
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