Joyeuses Pâques (1984)
Directed by Georges Lautner

Film Review

Clearly not a film for the culturally minded, Joyeuses Pâques is little more than a vehicle to allow its star actor, Jean-Paul Belmondo, to indulge his penchant for action stunts and theatrical over-the-top acting.  This is a shame because the storyline initially shows promise and Jean Poiret's script has some very good scripted jokes.  Unfortunately, Belmondo appears to be on some kind of mission to out-charisma and out-stage everything in sight and the film just reeks of nauseating self-indulgence.

Film Synopsis

Stéphane Margelle is a successful businessman, in his fifties, who cannot give up chasing after pretty women, although so far he has managed to conceal his philandering exploits from his wife, Sophie.  He is enjoying a tranquil life on the Riviera when Julie suddenly bursts into his life.  She is still on the mend after a disastrous break-up with her partner, and is therefore easy prey for the incorrigible womaniser.  With his wife conveniently away from home at the moment, Stéphane kindly offers the young woman a place to spend the night - in his home.  The lethario's plans for the evening are cruelly negated when Sophie makes an unexpected return, after her flight was cancelled due to a strike.

Knowing full well what will happen to him - especially bits of him to which he is particularly attached - if his wife ever found out he was cheating on her, Stéphane tells Sophie that Julie is his daughter from Limoges, the daughter of the woman he wasn't allowed to marry because of parental interference.  Julie, he insists mendaciously, has come to see him to let him know that she is pregnant.  Sophie swallows the lies hook, line and sinker and tells the young woman she can stay with them for as long as she wants.
The next morning, fearing that his luck may run out at any moment, Stéphane cannot wait to get Julie out of the house, but his wife has other ideas.  As the distressed Don Juan goes off to attend an important business meeting, Sophie and Julie go out shopping together.  After sustaining a minor injury, Stéphane finds himself in hospital, but escapes in an ambulance.  He is celebrating his birthday in the company of his friends when who should appear but Julie's mother.  She is not in the best of moods...