Ein Pauker zum Verlieben

Another French comedy!This one has few surprises .A supervisor works in a secondary school where he is a laughing stock.He falls in love with a teacher (Claude Jade ,one of Truffaut's favorite actresses)who does not take him seriously.He becomes the punching bag of his students he cannot control.But....he's writing a novel! And ,you will never guess it,using a pseudonym, he wins the prestigious Goncourt prize.You have understood,as far realism and plausibility are concerned ,you have got a hope! Highlight(so to speak): the chief education officer is greeted with a "Petits Suisses"(fromage blanc)attack.

Well we have seen worse...but we have seen better too.

Christian Gion was never a masterpiece maker. Some of his films are even not particularly recommendable, I must admit (I think of Aldo Maccionne's infamous vehicles, for instance). But this title delivers far more than any French comedies fan could expect. We easily get fond of the characters and the plot evolves with some very funny gags and touching moments. Performance by the cast is more than satisfying and Henry Guybet certainly display some real talent here. Supporting actors are all great, Michel Galabru, Claude Jade, Claude Piéplu and Claude Dauphin... But the teenage actors also steal the show at times. A very sweet film I haven't seen in years and I highly recommend to anyone willing to spend a good moment watching a film. "Le Pion" rules!!!!