Gigò

Never heard of this movie until I happened upon it today on cable. I was really surprised at how good it was. The movie is set in France, and it was filmed there so the scenery is very authentic. Most of the actors are French so are speaking English with a French accent which also makes the film seem more authentic. Good story line. Gleason plays a poor mute living in a basement flat. He takes in a prostitute and her adorable little girl. He's used and then rejected by the woman, but the little girl has fallen in love with him and sees him as her protector. Very unexpected ending.

A very wholesome film, rated G, I'll be able to show it in class to my students. Jackie Gleason was truly one of the last great entertainers of our time.

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.

I have seen this movie a few times, and it just grows on you. Gleason shows how powerful a performance one can do without uttering one word.

Many have described this film well. It is a great performance by Gleason, and yes the little girl isn't the cutest, but she wasn't meant to be. It makes his love for her and the mother all the more powerful. The SADDEST part of this film is that it has never been released on Video or DVD yet. Perhaps someday Hollywood will catch up with the people's hearts.

Affected, slightly overblown and mawkish, Gene Kelly's sentimental comedy "Gigot" manages to hit most of its funny/weepy targets due to a wordlessly wonderful leading performance by Jackie Gleason. Playing a mute caretaker in Paris, child-like Gleason befriends a prostitute and her young daughter (Katherine Kath, displaying lovely, solemn grace). Filmed in beautifully saturated colors, "Gigot" isn't immediately thought of as a natural fit for its star, and indeed many professional critics lambasted Gleason on the attempt alone, but The Great One is a marvel to watch. His sensitivity to this character seems quite heartfelt and, while director Kelly isn't really interested in subtleties, Gleason isn't the over-the-top comedian here; he's eager to please, but also gentle when it's called for, and--standing in the rain with the water running off his cherubic face--tender. If it's every comedian's dream to be taken seriously as a dramatic kingpin, Gleason is quietly pleased to be the acting prince. The movie doesn't come to much (it's just a doodle), but there are beautiful moments spread about which are immensely successful, and added up they make quite a pleasant, memorable vehicle. *** from ****

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.