Pas si bête

"Pas si bête" is a pleasant comedy about social differences and appearances.Léon Ménard , a simple man of the country meets a rich family: the man who looks so dumb is hundert times more clever and astute as the delicate and snob members of this family. Bourvil began his career as a musician and singer: but from 1946 he begins to participate in films and will become one of the great French comic actor. I enjoyed this simple story of a very clever ansd astute man of the country.

A wonderful (is it possible not to love Bourvil,every time he appears?)Bourvil in a pleasant little comedy,which predates "Le Corniaud" by almost 20 years : a so-called dumb peasant might possibly prove himself smarter than the "educated" socialites.

Leon's cart collides with viscount Didier's sports car ;"I know the rules of the road,but my horse don't!";but everything works out fine cause Didier's girlfriend is Leon's cousin.Her father,whose ancestors were simple peasants too ,is a nouveau Riche ,and Nicole invites her crude cousin in his desirable mansion.

The wealthy widower father is surrounded by the usual parasites and financial vampires.Leon becomes a buffoon for these smug snobs who laughs at his "bad" manners and at his lack of culture .When he plays tennis,his "undertanding" of the English terms is priceless.

But he who laughs last laughs best.Didier's father is a ruined noble ,and the talentless Chanteuse wants to marry Nicole's father to launch her career thanks to his money.Bourvil shines in the scene of the marriage contract when he shows that being titled means nothing.

There's a delightful contrast between the meal which Leon enjoys with his folks,Nicole and an ill-at-ease Didier,before the home made cider and these posh suppers you have to dress for! Watch it ,you will laugh heartily!

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"Les Affaires Sont Les Affaires " (Jean Dréville,1942)