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1:17 | Trailer

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To get royal backing on a needed drainage project, a poor French lord must learn to play the delicate games of wit at court at Versailles.

Director:

Patrice Leconte

Writers:

Rémi Waterhouse (scenario), Michel Fessler (screenplay) | 2 more credits »
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Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 20 wins & 15 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Charles Berling ... Ponceludon
Jean Rochefort ... Bellegarde
Fanny Ardant ... Mme de Blayac
Judith Godrèche ... Mathilde (as Judith Godreche)
Bernard Giraudeau ... Vilecourt
Bernard Dhéran Bernard Dhéran ... Montalieri
Carlo Brandt Carlo Brandt ... Milletail
Jacques Mathou ... Abbé de l'Epée
Urbain Cancelier ... Louis XVI
Albert Delpy ... Baron de Guéret
Bruno Zanardi Bruno Zanardi ... Paul
Marie Pillet Marie Pillet ... Charlotte
Jacques Roman Jacques Roman ... Chevernoy
Philippe Magnan Philippe Magnan ... Baron de Malenval
Maurice Chevit Maurice Chevit ... le Notaire
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Storyline

In the periwigged and opulent France of Louis XVI, an unwitting nobleman soon discovers that survival at court demands both a razor wit and an acid tongue. Written by Dawn M. Barclift

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

Il n'epargne personne. See more »

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for graphic nudity, some sexuality and brief violence | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Official Sites:

Miramax [United States]

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

22 November 1996 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Baronul See more »

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Box Office

Budget:

FRF 50,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$48,539, 24 November 1996, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$2,503,829, 23 March 1997
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby | Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

It is worth noting the presence of a real historical figure, father Charles Michel de l'Épée. The abbot de l'Épée was one of the first to take an interest in the issue of public education for the deaf, giving priority to sign language as a language of instruction. See more »

Quotes

Gregoire Ponceludon de Malavoy: Judas kept excellent company.
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Baghead (2008) See more »

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User Reviews

 
brilliant
29 July 2001 | by moulyaSee all my reviews

Patrice Leconte's most achieved feature. The scenario mixes wit, cruelty, finest ferocious humor, politics and romance with a rare balance. Rhythm is fast, and the movie is served by a wonderful cast (many actors are among the best stage actors in France), notably main character Charles Berling and Bernard Gireaudeau's abbe de Villecourt. Jean Rochefort's supporting performance is outstanding, as is the impersonation of a Versailles court's bird of prey by Fanny Ardant. All in all, i.m.h.o., one of the best French movies of the 90s.


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