Gigot, le clochard de Belleville

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.

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.

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.

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.