Le Quart d'heure américain (1982)
Directed by Philippe Galland

Film Synopsis

Desperately disillusioned with his present humdrum existence in France, Ferdinand, a balding and irascible 30-something, has made up his mind to leave the country and start a new life in the Far East.  He is thwarted in this ambition when he becomes the unsuspecting target of feisty radio presenter Bonnie as she takes to the airwaves to host her latest call-in programme.   Surprised by Bonnie's news that he has just won a cash prize, Ferdinand loses control of his breakdown-down truck and suffers a road accident that makes his vehicle a complete write-off.  And the worst thing is that his prize was only worth sixty francs!

Overcome with guilt for the trouble she has caused, Bonnie invites her hapless victim back to her place for a cosy tête-à-tête.  Although they could hardly be more different, Ferdinand and Bonnie experience an incredibly powerful mutual attraction.  But whilst the former feels he has at last met the love of his life, the latter cannot believe she has fallen for such a mediocre and unattractive man.  Bonnie has only just got over one failed relationship.  Is she ready to embark on another so soon after her last disappointment - and with a whingeing dwarf of a man who could so easily be mistaken for a garden ornament?  In the end, Ferdinand becomes sick and tired of Bonnie's ambivalent attitude towards him and he decides to carry through his original plan of going into exile in Asia.  He doesn't get very far, however.  Once Cupid strikes, he seldom gives up easily...