Un taxi mauve

In Ireland on the Beara peninsula a doctor called Scully (Fred Astaire) drives around in a symbolic purple taxi trying to help various troubled individuals with their wounds, both physical and emotional. Advertised with the line 'Each one is driven by love' writer/director Yves Boisset's 1977 feature film version of Michel Deon's novel is a mysterious drama about the loves, sadness and relationships of it's emotionally troubled characters (who include Peter Ustinov, Philippe Noiret, Charlotte Rampling, Agostina Belli, and Edward Albert), and is rather untypical seeming of the other films being directed at the time by Boisset. Evocative, poetic seeming (a bit like a dream in places), despite it's at times soap opera dramas, this French/Irish co-production is perhaps best remembered for being one of Astaire's final films. This review is based on the French language version - Astaire speaking in French!?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story told from the perspective of a thoughtful, bereaved father played by Philippe Noiret and set in an Irish village. Everyone has a secret apart from the local doctor in his pink taxi, played by Fred Astaire. Ustinov puts in a great turn as the eccentric European with a weird, unhealthily controlling relationship with his daughter/neice/whoever. Charlotte Rampling as the uber rich, princess and sister of a man hiding from his own past (under orders from his family) looks absolutely stunning and turns the sensuality up to 11. Goodness knows how Noiret retains his mild, calm demeanor under those eyes.

Based on book Un Taxi mauve (A Purple Taxi) by Michel Deon written in 1973, Michel Deon died at the age of 97 on 28 December 2016 in Galway, Ireland

Fred Astaire, Phillipe Noiret and Peter Ustinov are all having a great time with Charlotte Rampling and Edward Albert, In front of camera. A wonderful story of love and sadness in one? Peter Ustinov tries to marry off his beautiful daughter to Edward Albert in order to fund his equestrian center dreams, Played by Agostina Belli... lots of drinking, fighting, card playing and craic. Charlotte Rampling is a German based princess, Gerry's sister in the film who come's to find out what is going on with the money for the equestrian center, she needs to approve of it, She tries to get pregnant with Monsieur Noiret, and they have an affair. Filmed in and around Eyeries county Cork and Kenmare, County Kerry ,Ireland. Fantastic soundtrack by the chieftains. Not an Oscar winning film but one for a wet Sunday afternoon to relax in front of. How tragic that Edward Albert died on 22 of sept 2006 aged 55.Only a young man when he made this, He's probably driving Fred around in his purple taxi now laughing down at us all! Ohh and Charlotte Rampling get's her top off..I taped this on video back in 1984 and it still plays well, apparently it is hard to get, but is ran rarely on the television. Made very much in the french style yet in English and set entirely in Ireland.Each Scene was shot in both French and English so international viewers could enjoy it. Capturing a now bygone age. You don't have to get your car winched onto the boat in a cargo net anymore! Phillipe Noiret passed away on the 23rd of November 2006 17 days after after I posted this comment, how tragic. A fantastic french actor. This film is now for sale at: amazon.fr. priced at 9.99.Michel Deon has a website, www.micheldeon.com

This is a truly remarkable movie. A forgotten gem of great quality. Ustinov, Rampling, Noiret and the exquisite performance of the old Fred Astaire make this movie an unforgettable experience. Light-hearted drama, fine psychological detailing. The movie sets in the Ireland of 30 years ago. Still unspoilt by the EEC subsidies. Thatched cottages, cart roads and of course a major role for not only the Purple Taxi (Le Taxi Mauve), but also for a splendid early yellow Range Rover. This movie deserves to be restored for a new audience. It is just as fresh as it was 30 years ago. Very subtle acting, fine character playing, in short: not for Americans!

Actually a review by Rusk's father, Jerry. Purple Taxi is an outstanding movie, full of mood, atmosphere, ambiance, plus some of the greatest Irish scenery. The acting is superb by Ustinov, Noiret, Rampling, the actor who plays Rampling's brother, and Astaire. Unusual story makes it even more mysterious and tantalizing. A series of people from other lands living in Ireland trying to resolve their problems and rework their life situations are aided by the clever Irish taxi driver Astaire, who sees through them all. Noiret also shows insight into the others' lives, while trying to resolve his own personal problems. While all actors are great, Noiret is beyond great--a truly outstanding performance. One of the best 25 movies I have ever seen in my 70-plus years! The other reviewer was right--a neglected masterpiece.