Gigot, le clochard de Belleville

I was looking at the Emmy nominations for 2005 and saw The Wool Cap and the name Gigot. I had to look it up to see if it was the same story - because although I haven't seen this movie since I was probably 10 or even younger, it remains one of my favorite films.

I am moved to tears at the memory of this film. Jackie Gleason as the gentle giant Gigot - one of the best performances I've ever seen. His relationship with the little girl is lush and expressive without words. He loves her so much your heart aches watching it.

Someone wrote "You HAVE to see this movie!" Agreed. And I HAVE to see it again.

That I can remember this film from so long ago is a testament to its emotional punch. It's a sweet and touching film.

Gleason, too easily typecast for his work with Art Carney, was a powerful dramatic actor. 'Soldier in the Rain' was a role many will more easily relate to. 'Gigot' is a very strange, demanding role, that Gleason masterfully delivers.

His performance is a throwback to Chaplin and Keaton, but with this caveat? In the era where those giants worked, films were more action packed and sub-titles existed.

In 'Gigot' Gleason is faithful to 1920's film constraints, within context of 1960's cinema. The man's facial expressions, body language are unforgettable to anybody who watches 'Gigot' with a careful eye.

Jackie Gleason was a powerful dramatic actor.

Gleason was at his best in this drama. Never before or since have I found a movie so charming and well done. Virtually "talk free" I was captivated by Gleasons' portrayal. No other actor comes close to his caliber.

When I first viewed this film I was only 8 years old. Even at such a young age I was completely moved. The surprising thing is that even now I remember those feelings. For the last few years I have been searching for this film on video, but unable to find it. Whenever I see a movie with Jackie Gleason in it I am always reminded of his character in Gigot, and how I long to see this character again. To some, the film may not have touched their souls, but to me I was totally drawn to this character. To this day I remember the part where Gigot tried to save the child; how much he cared and the risks he took because of his unselfish love. You don't see these kind of films today. It's a shame that inner emotions are no longer captured but over shadowed by destruction and the almighty dollar.

Like a person who commented before me, I first saw this movie at 8 or 9 years old on the "Million Dollar Movie" feature on TV. I remember my sisters and I could not stop crying because we were so moved by the storyline. It's been that long since I last saw Gigot but it had to have touched on very deep and moving issues for 3 little girls to ball their eyes out. Looking back, the subject matter is a little adult (the streetwalker planning to run off with her lover & take her little girl, thus leaving Gigot). I have yet to see it on video or even on late night. It is a wonderful, moving movie.