So Long, Stooge (1983)
"Tchao pantin" (original title)

Lambert, a burned-out case, works the night shift at a gas station, rarely speaking, living alone, drinking. Bensoussan, raised in foster homes, now a small-time pusher for a bar owner ... See full summary »

Director:

Claude Berri

Writers:

Alain Page (novel), Claude Berri (scenario),

Stars:

Coluche, Richard Anconina, Agnès Soral

5 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview:
Coluche	...	Lambert
Richard Anconina	...	Bensoussan
Agnès Soral	...	Lola
Mahmoud Zemmouri	...	Rachid
Philippe Léotard	...	Bauer
Albert Dray	...	Sylvio
Ben Smaïl	...	Mahmoud
Pierrick Mescam	...	First client service station
Mickaël Pichet	...	Mickey
Michel Paul	...	Momo
Annie Kerani	...	Black Lady
Vincent Martin	...	Second customer service station

Storyline

Lambert, a burned-out case, works the night shift at a gas station, rarely speaking, living alone, drinking. Bensoussan, raised in foster homes, now a small-time pusher for a bar owner named Rashid, comes to the station needing a spark plug for a stolen Moped. He and Lambert connect somehow, and a few days later, they go for a drink. The young man is too cavalier, and when he swipes Rashid's fancy motorcycle a couple of times, he's expendable. Lambert decides to avenge the young man and seeks information from Lola, a punk who knew Bensoussan. With surprising perseverance, she pierces Lambert's shell; he starts to feel again, tells Lola his story, and finds new enthusiasm for life.

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Plot Keywords:

punk | gas station | motorcycle | revenge | alcoholism | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

21 December 1983 (France)

Also Known As:

So Long, Stooge

Filming Locations:

35 rue Charlot, Paris 3, Paris, France

Company Credits

Production Co:

Renn Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

User Reviews

Riding the Express

"Tchao Pantin" is a great movie. Its characters are all down to earth and have real feelings. Lambert, the burn-out alcoholic who works at the gas station befriends Bensoussan, a small-time pusher. The story goes on about their friendship, but breaks off into a new level when Bensoussan is killed. Lambert's not sure to risk his life and avenge him, but the perseverance of Bensoussan's latest girlfriend, Lola, convinces him. Even though the movie might run a little slow at times, it nevertheless exceeds in giving off exciting vibes (action and great dialogue). It's an interesting movie about a somewhat awkward relationship, but it works. It's the best thing about it. Side note, I'm just a little confused about the title and what it stands for. Anyway, you should really check it out, and you might even see an adaptation of it in a few years.