Déclic et des claques (1965)
Directed by Philippe Clair

Film Review

Immediately before directing the comedy troupe Les Charlots in their first film, La Grande java (1970), successful humourist Philippe Clair made his directing debut with this frenetic comedy, a scattergun affair that sometimes feels like a two-fingered salute to the French New Wave.  Clair was seldom, if ever, loved by the critics but his subsequent films were often a hit at the French box office and now exemplify the kind of lowbrow comedy that was popular throughout the 1970s (a decade in which good taste was as hard to come by as self-censorship).  Déclic et des claques (a.k.a. L'Esbrouffe) isn't so much a film as a series of what seems to be improvised sketches carelessly slung together, the end result being something of a disappointment.  The most recognisable face on screen is that of a somewhat incongruous Annie Girardot.  Mike Marshall (son of the icon actress Michèle Morgan) gets to show off his comic potential at the start of his career, although, like the rest of the cast, his efforts are constantly thwarted by Clair's vacuous and unfunny script.

Film Synopsis

Four young men from Algeria arrive in Paris and are soon busy enjoying the delights of the capital as they embark on their search for love and fortune.  One of them falls for the delightful Sandra who is looking for meaning in her life.