The Suitor (1962)

Pierre is a shy man whose sole focus in life is studying astrology in solitude, which is often difficult since he still lives at and studies in his parent's house. His parent's would rather... See full summary »

Director:

Pierre Étaix

Writers:

Pierre Étaix, Jean-Claude Carrière

Stars:

France Arnel, Pierre Étaix, Laurence Lignières

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
France Arnel	...	Stella, the Olympia star (as France Arnell)
Pierre Étaix	...	Pierre, the Suitor
Laurence Lignières	...	Laurence, Pierre's Neighbour (as Laurence Lignères)
Claude Massot	...	Pierre's Father
Denise Péronne	...	Pierre's Mother (as Denise Perrone)
Karin Vesely	...	Ilka, the Swedish Au-pair
Robert Blome
Pierre Maguelon	...	Olympia's Stage Manager (as Petit Bobo)
Dominique Clément
Dora Diana
Bernard Dumaine
Armelle Engel
Édouard Francomme	...	(as Francomme)
Jeannette François
Lucien Frégis	...	Painter in Park Scene

Storyline

Pierre is a shy man whose sole focus in life is studying astrology in solitude, which is often difficult since he still lives at and studies in his parent's house. His parent's would rather he date and get married. He takes on this task with verve. Not knowing how to approach women in a romantic way, he watches how other men operate and tries to emulate them, most often without success. He ends up attracting the one woman he doesn't really want, a fun loving woman named Laurence who lives next door, but he becomes obsessed with Stella, a singer he sees on television. He believes her love song is being sung directly to him. As Pierre tries to get away from Laurence while pursuing Stella, he may miss the perfect match who may be right under his nose.

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Plot Keywords:

pinup girl | footsie | pole the person | singer | television | 

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

French visa # 26433.

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Goofs

When Laurence falls through the door of the lift, an assistant who was holding the actress can be seen behind her.

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Soundtracks

O, toi l'amour
Written by Jean Paillaud and Jean-Claude Carrière
Performed by Béatrice Arnac

User Reviews

Slow but occasionally funny.

Recently, Turner Classic Movies showed a bunch of films by Pierre Étaix--the first time they've been seen in this country in decades. Because the films have been tied up in legal disputes, most Americans have no idea who Étaix is--and I was quite curious. So, I recorded them and have watched them over the last few weeks. "The Suitor" is the last of his films they showed--and so I have come to the conclusion that his films, for me, are only modestly funny. If you like the films of Jacques Tati (which I don't), then you'll probably like the droll films of Pierre Étaix.

When the film begins, you see that Pierre is a nerdy guy who spends most of his times studying astronomy. His parents are concerned--he's getting older and should settle down and get married. The problem is that he is socially inept--though he is willing. Throughout much of the film, the character wanders about Paris--watching men picking up women and then he tries to imitate them. In every case, it's a disaster and I really, really liked the lipstick bit. However, some of the subplots went on WAY too long--particularly the obnoxious lady who laughs too loudly. Much of the film was very subtle and done much like a silent movie--but she didn't fit in at all. A little of her might have worked--using her as much as they did was, in my opinion, a mistake. She was funny but after a while she was just annoying--and NOT in a good way.

For me, this is a decent film but one that didn't excite me. However, it is important to note that many people LOVE Jacques Tati and Jerry Lewis--and these folks would probably love this film.

Details

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

13 February 1963 (France)

Also Known As:

The Suitor

Filming Locations:

Avenue George V, Paris 8, Paris, France

Company Credits

Production Co:

C.A.P.A.C., Cocinor, Copra Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

83 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1