L'ombrello bulgaro

Criticism first: The plot (or "plot") feels contrived and really doesn't make much sense. So, it's a good thing that they didn't care for sense but went for a quick-footed firework of gags instead - a bit like Airplane! from the same year.

Now, the pros: Most of the gags do work, slapstick as well as running gags, funny banter and visual gags. The rhythm is relentless, there's not a boring minute in this movie. But what makes it really shine is the excellent cast with lots of character faces - Gert Fröbe as villain "La baleine", Gordon Mitchell as a grumpy hit-man, Gérard Jugnot as a sideline booking agent, "Khan" the exotic bodyguard, Valerie Mairesse as love interest / police officer "Bunny" - and among them, Pierre Richard in his usual shtick as a harmless guy completely out of his depth but still self-confident to a fault - and chasing every skirt crossing his way while his enemies are dropping like flies. Recommended, just don't expect sense and blood but a lot of good-natured laughs. This really is a nice comedy!

Pierre Richard tries to be the Clouseau of the spy world, but his character is too much of a jerk; besides, Gordon Mitchell, playing it straight as the real hitman that Richard is mistaken for, is funnier. The film has beautiful cinematography by Henri Decaë and a couple of great car stunts by Remy Julienne, but overall it's decidedly mediocre - and too long. ** out of 4.

I see that this catch line from the funny advertising featured in the movie has gone aboard which is the proof that this french comedy was really popular. In addition, i think that our parents took us with my brother to see it in theater as a kid ! Thirty years later, the movie is still funny : the idea is really original and is a pit of funny moments : a second class actor thinks he plays the killer in a movie while he has been picked up by real gangsters ! The cool dumb actor is played by Pierre Richard who belongs to the pantheon of the french funny comedians along De Funès, Michael Youn… His personal trait would be his huge enthusiasm, so big that he can't control it and become clumsy ! The first part in the movie takes place in Paris and i can see now how french society has changed since (for the worst…) ! The final takes places in Saint Tropez (again as usual) but the action is rather indoor and that's why i have always thought it happens in a mountain lodge ! In addition, Pierre goes with a lot of famous faces among them the French "LHO" from a recent previous TV review !

a nice film. and nothing else because Pierre Richard seems be only purpose for make it. gags, unrealistic story,sentimental links and chaos at every step, old recipes for easy French comedy and the end who puts all in right. the only good thing is the presence of Gordon Mitchell . but that is not enough and the good part remains to not have many expectations. because it is only a summer comedy. not good, not bad, only nice and far by a clear sense. a film about all in a large package , collection of old tricks, another film with Pierre Richard but far by Le Grand Blond. so, a nice comedy without great ambitions. that could be perfect for a Sunday evening.

Gérard Oury gave us so many successful films over two decades that it's a bit unusual to see a real flop. I don't know what the proceeds were for this one, but it has a lack of rhythm and loose plotting that suggest failure at the box office.

To begin with, the casting: when you can unite Bourvil and de Funès (La grande vadrouille), or Montand and de Funès (La folie des grandeurs), then Pierre Richard and Gérard Jugnot are going to seem small beer in comparison. And the story, so lacking in real tension and pace: an actor has a meeting with a producer, but goes in the wrong door, ends up working for the mob... Haven't we seen this kind of story before?

It's enough to say that Gordon Mitchell has a splendid granite face as the hit-man, and Christine Murillo is very sexy (what happened to her?).