Gigot, le clochard de Belleville

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.

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.

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 ****

if this movie isn't a 10, then there isn't a 10 anywhere. jackie gleason plays this character so beautifully, juxtaposed against the ruthless street-walking mother of the sweet young nicole. also the settings show a dichotomy of character with his poor-man surroundings, and the rich-man place he takes himself to........all the impress collette so that he can spend time with young nicole.

gleason was nominated for an academy award for his portrayal of gigot, but was lost in a very strong cadre of contenders.

does anyone know why this film has not been released on VHS or DVD? certainly it would sell.

this film is a keeper. i watch hundreds of movies but refuse to buy only the absolute best. wish i could buy gigot.

Gleason, too easily typecast for his work with Art Carney, was a powerful dramatic actor. 'Soldier in the Rain' was a role many will more easily relate to. 'Gigot' is a very strange, demanding role, that Gleason masterfully delivers.

His performance is a throwback to Chaplin and Keaton, but with this caveat? In the era where those giants worked, films were more action packed and sub-titles existed.

In 'Gigot' Gleason is faithful to 1920's film constraints, within context of 1960's cinema. The man's facial expressions, body language are unforgettable to anybody who watches 'Gigot' with a careful eye.

Jackie Gleason was a powerful dramatic actor.