France, 1719. Louis 14th died four years ago, Philippe d'Orleans is the regent. He is a liberal and a libertine. His right-hand man, Dubois, an atheistic and cupid priest, as libertine as Philippe, tries to take advantage of a little rebellion lead by a Breton squire (Pontallec) and of the famine to become archbishop... Description of the life of the court in this period of transition where the French Revolution smoulders.
Review:
Correct historical account
-This majestic movie reveals everything of that contrasting period after the reign of the "Roi Soleil". France was empty-blooded by the wars and de best thing the Régent of that moment could was to make peace with England. A Breton upraising supported by Spain was the worst case scenario. L'abbé Dubois is eager to become archbishop and everything he does, even the national politics is supported by his dream. We see the speculations about Missisipi and the first bank notes by the state. The Régent, Philippe Noiret, is a person who enjoys life and tries to avoid all problems. Against this, l'abbé Dubois and the nephew of the Régent seem to be the human beasts fueled by their ambition. The church is all powerful and the High Nobility without scruples. The state tries to populate la Louisiane by embarking prostitutes. The Régent seem to be the only good person of his time. This movie is a joy to watch again because of the sharp dialogue and the historical details.
Director:Bertrand Tavernier
Writers:Jean Aurenche, Bertrand Tavernier
cast:
Philippe Noiret ... Philippe d'Orléans, le Régent
Jean Rochefort ... L'abbé Dubois
Jean-Pierre Marielle ... Le marquis de Pontcallec
Christine Pascal ... Emilie
Alfred Adam ... Le maréchal de Villeroy
Jean-Roger Caussimon ... Le cardinal
Gérard Desarthe ... Le duc de Bourbon / Duke of Bourbon
Michel Beaune ... Le capitaine La Griollais
Monique Chaumette ... La gouvernante de Pontcallec
François Dyrek ... Montlouis
Jean-Paul Farré ... Le père Burdo
Nicole Garcia ... La Fillon
Raymond Girard ... Chirac
Jacques Hilling ... L'abbé Gratellard
Bernard La Jarrige ... Amaury de Lambilly
Country:France
Language:French
Release Date:23 March 1975 (France)
Also Known As:Juhla voi alkaa
Filming Locations:Ardenay-sur-Mérize, Sarthe, France
Runtime:114 min
Sound Mix:Mono
Color:Color (Eastmancolor)
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