Les Grandes Vacances

it is not the best movie of Louis de Funes. but that fact not represents a great sin because the old recipes works, the humor is good, the clash between the values of college director and his students - amusing and the adventures to Le Havre nice at whole. a good point - the conflict between French and Englishmen, almost a sketch but used with inspired precise. a film about holiday,interesting, not extraordinary or seductive but covered by the talent of one of greatest actors. a film for entire family. and that fact is the essential virtue for discover/remind the spirit of a French cinema style. summer, holiday and a great actor. it could be enough.

1960s style French comedy with better than average gags and the comic timing of Funes. This diverting film deals with a stiff Principal named Charles : Louis de Funes, of a rigid boarding school. On vacation he is planning a student exchange between his son Philippe and MacFarrell's daughter : Martine Kelly, but Philip actually plans to save an amusing holiday by boat and replacing himself by the fat nerd Stephane : Maurice Rish. To be aware Charles of his true activitates, that's why he follows his son, chasing the yacht by sailing, or flying . But then his colleague : Ferdy Mayne, soon joins him and things go wrong.

This enjoyable French comedy contains amusing incidents, funny set pieces, slapstick, slapdash, simple humor and loads of fun . Of course, the central piece is Louis de Funes himself and his comic genious, while delivering a towering main performance, a prime example of a first role carrying a film . In fact this role as a strict school headmaster was particularly written for this great French comedy superstar. As it is a Louis de Funes show, giving a sympathetic acting , as usual, he is very good providing his habitual Tics, gestures , tongue twister and overacting with lots of gesticulation. Costarred by the likeable young girl Martine Kelly who also played with Funes in Hibernatus and The Band, in addition Ferdy Mayne who acted in Fearless Vampire Killers by Polanski . Here Funes is accompanied by ordinary actors who usually show up in Saint Tropez Gendarme series as Claude Gensac also playing his wife , Guy Grosso and Maurice Risch. And brief appearance by Silvia Dionisio, subsequently a star of the Italian sex comedy.

Agreeable musical score by regular Raymond Lefebre that scored Saint Tropez franchise. As well as colorful cinematography by Marcel Grignon, this notorious cameraman is considered to be one of the best of French cinema. The picture was amusingly and lively directed by Jean Girault who made the Saint Tropez series with Louis de Funes. Girault was a comedy expert, directing a lot , such as : The miser, Squek squek, Jo, The troops of St Tropez, Gendarme in balade, Gendarme in New York, Gendarme and the Gendarmettes, Gendarme and the creatures of the outer space, Les Charlots, among others. Rating 7/10. Well worth watching. The flick will appeal to Louis de Funes fans.

The magnificent French comic actor Louis de Funès demonstrates his talent in this French-Italian film.He plays Charles Bosquier- a grumpy principal of a reputable boys college.Bosquier always controls his students very strictly.His problems start when an exchange program sends an attractive 19 year-old girl to his college in order to spend the summer vacation there and learn more about the French culture.Bosquier's son falls in love with her and they run away.So,the principal is on the verge of madness and he starts chasing them. The film contains lots of funny scenes and humor and of course the superb acting of Louis de Funès.Honestly,the scenario has some weak points.Definitely,"Les Grandes vacances" is not one of the best films of Funès but it is worth seeing.

I quite agree with Elmaruecan82's long and excellent review. I will take away one further star because of the treatment and terrible shooting conditions those poor horses in the last scene obviously had to go through. Just for this I would recommend boycotting this movie! But it's too bad because, as has been observed, the premise is great and a perfect opportunity for a fun, cross-cultural window on 1967, and all the right comedians are in the cast (even Claude Gensac). It's just mostly bad, over-the-top, comedic stuff, deprived altogether of the quasi-surrealism of the best De Funès entries of his prime years. Even himself plays kind of low-key here... And his verbal fighting scenes with his English antagonist are poorly improvised...

The Exchange Student, starring the inimitable Louis de Funès, easily earns a 9/10 from me. Standing alongside classics like Fantomas and The Gendarme, this film highlights de Funès' exceptional comedic talent, making it one of his best.

In this delightful comedy, de Funès' signature energy and comedic timing are on full display. His ability to convey humor through a blend of physical comedy and expressive facial reactions is as brilliant as ever. The film's storyline, revolving around the antics and misadventures of an exchange student, provides the perfect setup for de Funès to showcase his comedic prowess.

What sets The Exchange Student apart is its clever writing and the seamless way humor is woven into the plot. The situational comedy, combined with de Funès' performance, creates a series of laugh-out-loud moments that are both timeless and universally appealing.

Moreover, the film's pacing is spot-on, ensuring that the comedy never feels forced or overdone. Each scene is carefully crafted to maximize the humor while advancing the story, making for an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience.

In summary, The Exchange Student is a standout film in Louis de Funès' illustrious career. It's a testament to his talent and a must-watch for fans of classic comedy. Its blend of clever writing, impeccable timing, and de Funès' unmatched comedic style earns it a high rating and a place among the best of his works.