53 years later, we still think of this timeless line from French cinema every time we have to wake someone up.

During his long and prolific career, Louis de Funes was able to create dozens of unforgettable characters, not only because of their irresistible character, but also because of their extraordinary comic timing. As clockwork, as precise as a metronome, the humor maestro knows exactly where to place a response to multiply the effect tenfold.

So, thanks to his art, on the big screen, House Marshal Crucho, business manager Bertrand Barnier, conductor Stanislas Lefort, gangster Léopold Saroyan and, of course, His Majesty the King’s special Minister of Finance. : Don Sallust.

• 59 years later, we still think of this timeless replica of French cinema every time we look up its words in English.

The infallible Don Sallust

The protagonist of La Folie des Grandeurs – a very free rehab Rui Blas Victor Hugo – Sallust is probably Louis de Funes’ character with the most iconic lines.

“The poor make the very poor, and the rich make the very rich.” “I should have tripled them.” “He lies in German.” “I’m a minister, I don’t know how to do anything.”

For Louis de Funes, in terms of punchlines, Gérard Oury’s film is a veritable feast. However, the most legendary line of the film that interests us today does not come out of Don Sallust’s mouth.

The most famous line from the movie

In fact, it is to his cadet – a man called Blaise, played by the excellent Yves Montagne – that we owe this little tirade’s air of nursery rhyme, and which fans of Louis de Funes no doubt still use 53 years later. It’s about getting someone out of Morpheus’ arms.

The sequence takes place at the beginning of the film. Miserly, miserly and greedy Don Sallust has already had the opportunity to show his boundless love for money several times. He sleeps soundly in his four-poster bed, and his servant performs the delicate task of waking him.

For this, knowing his master by heart, he engages in a little process, which we imagine he repeats every morning, and rings a few gold coins in the ears of Sallust, and embellishes this sweet metallic noise with a few beautiful words, taking great care in proper rhyme:

“Ooooooooooooooooooooo it’s eight!”

So effective and so absurd that it becomes instantly legendary, Blaise’s little refrain takes on even more comic power in the background of Louis de Funes’s reaction. Don Sallust freezes in his sleep and orders: “One is missing!”

What a little game of rhymes in “Gold” continues with some delicious responses between the two characters: “Are you sad?” “It’s totally out!” “God!”

If you’re a fan of Louis de Funes in general, and La Folie des Grandeurs in particular, and have to get someone out of bed, then it’s a safe bet that you think about this famous line on a regular basis!

(Re)discover our video dedicated to Louis de Funes…