Delusions of grandeur: Louis de Funes had to play against another comedy star

1960. Gerard Our plays in the theater Rui Blas by Victor Hugo and imagine what this love drama could look like if it were turned into a comedy. Ten years pass between its original idea and its implementation. And as always, the filmmaker puts small dishes in the big one.

His film is set at the time of the play in 17th-century Spain, and for the occasion (and through co-productions), filming will take place primarily on location. As well as Le Corniaud and La Grande Vadrouille, two huge successes, Oure wants Burville and Louis de Funes as Blaise (the servant) and Don Sallust (the minister of the King of Spain).

Different titles are then considered for the project: Dark Heroes or Spanish Grandeurs, before La Folie des grandeurs is chosen.

But in September 1970 Burville died of cancer aged just 53, at the height of his fame. A tragic twist of fate, especially since Uri, who knew nothing of the actor’s illness, postponed La Folie des grandeurs in order to film at Le Cerveau with Jean-Paul Belmondo, thinking he could then be entrusted with the role of Valet Blaise. . Now he needs a replacement.

Very friendly with Burville, Oury was shot. Who can replace his friend? During the meal, Simone Signore, Yves Montand’s wife, offers her husband the role of Blaise.

Oury agrees, and it is Montagne himself who goes to de Funes to talk him into replacing his great friend Burville. The Montana-admired comedian, actor and music hall star agrees. And the movie started again.

Blaise’s role was completely rewritten to suit Montand’s physical abilities and acting, which is very different from Burville’s. The co-screenwriter of the film is Daniel Thompson remember :

We designed a comedy hairdresser like Sganarelle for Burville. Montand will be closer to Scapin. With him, the valet can become a temptress who will fall in love with the queen at first sight, and not so slowly because of his kindness, loyalty and honesty, as would be the case with Burville.

Filming begins in Spain and the two headliners hit it off perfectly. The public felt it, and when it was released in December 1971, the Montand-De Funès duet drew 5.5 million viewers in theaters.