Small Change (1976)

The lives of a motherless boy, who is just starting to get interested in women, and his physically abused friend, who lives in poverty, are mixed with more or less innocent childhood experiences and challenges of a number of children.

Director:

François Truffaut

Writers:

François Truffaut (original scenario), Suzanne Schiffman (original scenario)

Stars:

Georges Desmouceaux, Philippe Goldmann, Nicole Félix

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 4 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Nicole Félix	...	Grégory's mother (as Nicole Felix)
Chantal Mercier	...	Chantal Petit, the Schoolteacher
Jean-François Stévenin	...	Jean-François Richet, the Schoolteacher (as Jean-François Stevenin)
Virginie Thévenet	...	Lydie Richet (as Virginie Thevenet)
Tania Torrens	...	Nadine Riffle, hairdresser
René Barnerias	...	Monsieur Desmouceaux, Patrick's father
Katy Carayon	...	Sylvie's Mother
Jean-Marie Carayon	...	Police inspector, Sylvie's father
Annie Chevaldonne	...	Nurse
Francis Devlaeminck	...	Monsieur Riffle, hairdresser, Laurent's father
Michel Dissart	...	Monsieur Lomay, constable
Michele Heyraud	...	Madame Deluca
Paul Heyraud	...	Monsieur Deluca
Jeanne Lobre	...	Julien's grandmother (as Jane Lobre)
Vincent Touly	...	Concierge

Storyline

In the town of Thiers, summer of 1976, teachers and parents give their children skills, love, and attention. A teacher has his first child, a single mother hopes to meet Mr. Right, another mom reaches out to Patrick, a motherless lad who is just discovering the opposite sex. Patrick befriends Julien, a new student who lives in poverty with his mother and has a terrible secret. Bruno shows his friends how to chat up girls. Sylvie stages a witty protest against her parents. Brothers give a friend a haircut. A toddler falls from a window and is unhurt. Everybody goes to the cinema. At camp, Martine catches Patrick's eye. A teacher explains: "Life is hard, but it's wonderful."

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Plot Keywords:

child's point of view | child | pupil | student | student teacher relationship | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

The literal translation of the title is "Pocket Money," which was already the name of another film (Pocket Money (1972)). It was Steven Spielberg who suggested "Small Change." Spielberg, of course, directed Truffaut in Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), and made his own films about childhood adventures, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and The Goonies (1985).

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Quotes

Little Grégory: Gregory go boom!

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Connections

Referenced in Small Change (1978)

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Soundtracks

Les enfants s'ennuient le dimanche
Written and Performed by Charles Trenet

User Reviews

A piece of art

How to denounce social subjects? It is not easy. This excellent French movie director, Truffaut made it in "A small change" and in such a vivid way that I felt moved and touched by all children that were acting. And I always try to respect the culture of each movie director I found the words of the teacher at the end of the movie very smart. He was giving his last words before Summer vacations. And while many kids were going to have fun one of the class had been abused! This was good. It shows compromise and respect towards our pals, our classmates, etc. It was great!

Details

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

3 October 1976 (USA)

Also Known As:

Small Change

Filming Locations:

Allier, France

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$11,206, 25 April 1999

Gross USA:

$38,805

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$38,805

Company Credits

Production Co:

Les Films du Carrosse, Les Productions Artistes Associés

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1