Very Happy Alexander
| Very Happy Alexander | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Yves Robert |
| Written by | Yves Robert |
| Starring | Philippe Noiret |
| Distributed by |
Films de la Colombe Madeleine Films La Guéville |
Release dates |
9 February 1968 (France) 17 February 1969 (U.S.) 21 December 1973 (West Germany) |
Running time | 100 min |
| Country | France |
| Language | French |
| Box office | $16,645,537[1] |
Very Happy Alexander (French: Alexandre le bienheureux, "Blissful Alexander") is a 1968 French comedy film, directed by Yves Robert, starring Philippe Noiret, Marlène Jobert and Françoise Brion. This was comic actor Pierre Richard's second appearance on film, playing a secondary role toward the end of the plot.
The film has been released on DVD on 4 May 2004.
Brief summary
Philippe Noiret plays a henpecked childless farmer that lives oppressed by his authoritarian and materialistic wife, being the only worker in his farm. Whenever he attempts to take a small rest, indulge in any distraction, or simply falls asleep out of exhaustion, there she is chasing him to move on. When she and her elderly parents are killed in a car accident, he decides that the time has come to take it easy and enjoy life a little, sets all his livestock free, and then practically disappears. The only clue that he is still alive is his dog, who periodically goes shopping to the nearby town with a basket in its mouth. Concerns about Alexander's fate are the center of the town's gossip. After several attempts, a delegation sent by the citizens finds he has retired—to his bed. This creates no small social upheaval in this working-class small French town where hard work is regarded as a virtue, and hence his attitude is viewed as a scandal and a menace.
Cast
- Philippe Noiret — Alexandre
- Françoise Brion — La Grande, Alexandre's wife
- Marlène Jobert — Agathe
- Paul Le Person — Sanguin
- Tsilla Chelton — Madame Bouillot
- Léonce Corne — Lamendin
- Pierre Richard — Colibert
- Jean Saudray — Pinton
- Marcel Bernier — Malicorne
- Bernard Charlan — The mayor
- Madeleine Damien — Madame Boisseau
- Pierre Maguelon — Verglandier
- François Vibert — Alexandre's father in law
- Jean Carmet — La Fringale
References
- Information about the film, synopsis, trailer (French)
- Alexandre Le Bienheureux (French)