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Le Naïf aux quarante enfants
1958 Drama
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Credits
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Director: Philippe Agostini
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Script: Philippe Agostini, Paul Guth (novel), André Tabet
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Photo: André Bac
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Music: Hubert Rostaing
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Cast: Michel Serrault (Jean-François
Robignac),
Jean Poiret (Maître Bardine),
Pierre-Jean Vaillard (L'inspecteur d'académie),
Sylva Koscina (Gina Lantois),
Darry Cowl (Le marchand d'échelles),
Henri Crémieux (Professeur Larmet),
Clément Duhour (M. Lantois),
Odette Joyeux (Une mère),
Jean Rigaux (Le concierge),
René Sarvil (Le censeur)
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Country: France
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Language: French
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Runtime: 98 min; B&W
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Summary
It is with an unshakable sense of purpose and optimism that Jean-François Robignac
takes up his first post as a French teacher, in a state school in Marseilles. His
innovative teaching methods endear him to his pupils who, disruptive at first, quickly
fall under his spell and start to develop a love for French literature. However,
the children’s parents and the school administrators are less enthusiastic about Jean-François’s
approach and hastily call in the school inspector. One parent, Gina, is more favourable
and defends Jean-François, not realising that he has fallen in love with her…
Review
Michel Serrault stars in one of his first leading roles in this affectionate portrait
of the French education system in the 1950s. The film is charming without being
sentimental and effectively argues the case for an alternative approach to education,
whereby pupils are enthused rather than intimidated by their teachers. Serrault
is excellent in the role of the amiable yet naïve schoolmaster – an unusually sympathetic
part, played with great tenderness and realism, for an actor who is perhaps now better
known for his dark portrayals of more complex characters.
© James Travers 2007
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