Gigò

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.

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 ****

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.

This splendid film is a lost masterpiece. Most everyone I talk to that has seen it, saw it on a local television matinée. So far as I can tell it is not available on video. This wonderful film has fallen between the cracks somehow but the discovery of it only adds to it's charm. Like a rare natural wonder hidden far off the beaten path some afternoon, you may be trudging through your day and stumble onto this film, a beautiful sentimental picture.

If you like Capra, you will love Gigot. Not for the dark of heart or impatient, this film will move you to tears. It has the feel of a small foreign film, but has the heart as big as any film ever made. Directed by Gene Kelly, the set's are wonderful, the acting subtle and superb, the music perfect and most important of all "The Great One" Jackie Gleason's performance as the mute Gigot has a depth and pathos that few actors have ever achieved. I wonder if John Candy wasn't partially reflecting on 'Gigot' when he played his Del Griffeth character in 'Planes, Trains...' There is something behind these actors performances that could not have been acting. Like Buster Keaton, one gets the sense that deep down, the character is a reflection of the pain the actor truly feels. Check your local listings to see if this is playing and record it. A 10 out of 10.

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.