Splendid’s other cult comedy
In 1981, the Splendid troupe no longer performed together in the theater, and each of its members began their own individual careers. This is why the show created by Alone Martin Lamotte and Christian Clavier in November 1981 at the Théâtre du Splendid Saint-Martin, Grandfather resists it is not considered an official creation of the famous troupe, made very popular by the success of the films The Bronzed.
However, in addition to the two authors, the cast of this piece also includes some members of the Splendid, such as Marie-Anne Chazel, Gérard Jugnot and Bruno Moynot. But when, the success on stage, the show Grandfather resists it becomes a film, it’s almost beautiful all the Splendid present at the casting – with the exception of Marie-Anne Chazel, who was pregnant at the time.
In occupied France, the Bourdelle family, part of an orchestra destined to perform in front of the German generals, finds themselves confronted with the German occupation. Their private villa was in fact requisitioned by the Wermacht. Coexistence proves difficult because the Bourdelles are active resistance fighters. Their son Guy-Hubert is nothing if not super tough!
A great success made possible by Louis de Funès
When it was published in 1983, Grandfather resists it got bad reviews, but audiences were largely there for it. With 4.1 million viewers in theaters the film was a great success, fourth French film of the year behind The deadly summer, The misfit AND Friends. For Splendid members, it is then their greatest success (defeated by The Bronzed 3 in 2006), much later The Bronzed (2.3 million entries), Tanned people go skiing (1.5 million) e Santa Claus is rubbish (1.5 million).
This success, Grandfather resists it owes this in part to the presence at the beginning of the project of Louis of Funesto whom the film is dedicated. At the time, weakened and suffering, Louis de Funès is still an icon and the superstar of the French box office. The actor, with unrivaled popularity with – to name just a few – The big broom, Le Corniaudthe saga The gendarme of Saint-Tropezis invited by producer Christian Fechner to join the cast of Grandfather resists.
Indeed, Christian Clavier, Martin Lamotte and director Jean-Marie Poiré, who have ambitions for their film, suggest a very substantial budget – the equivalent of 11 million euros will be assigned -, however they are not popular enough to be able to afford to do without a big star on the bill. It will therefore be Louis de Funès who accepts after having attended a performance of the opera at the beginning of January 1983.
A casting style The longest day to replace Louis de Funès
With Louis de Funès associated with the project, the film Grandfather resists is launched in earnest. But unfortunately, victim of a new heart attack, died January 27, 1983, i.e. three weeks after giving consent. It was therefore decided to establish a casting all Stars to compensate for his absence, as reported by Jean-Marie Poiré (Bertrand Tell her, Louis de Funès, grimace and glory2009):
We immediately moved towards a multi-star cast, like The Longest Day.
Thus, in addition to the members of the Splendid, the casting also includes other big names, including some prestigious historical collaborators of Louis de Funès, for an imperial worldwide distribution: Michel Galabru, Jacques Villeret, Jacqueline Maillan, Jean-Claude Brialy, Jean Carmet and Roger Carel, Jacques François, among others, participate in this film all Stars. A spectacular consequence of Louis de Funès’ unfortunately unsuccessful involvement in this cult comedy, which thus pays homage to him.
Source: Cine Serie
Ray Ortiz is a journalist at Gossipify, known for his coverage of trending news and current events. He is committed to providing readers with accurate and unbiased reporting, and is respected for his ability to keep readers informed on the latest news and issues.
