This guide covers everything you need to know about the 1966 French cinematic masterpiece, La Grande Vadrouille
At the center of this enduring masterpiece is the explosive comedic chemistry between two giants of French entertainment: Bourvil and Louis de Funès. Viewing this film in crisp 1080p high definition breathes new life into its brilliant physical comedy, rich period costumes, and sprawling scenic backdrops, making it as vibrant today as it was sixty years ago. The Plot: A Masterclass in Accidental Heroism
The film follows their frantic and hilarious journey across the "demarcation line" to the unoccupied Free Zone, constantly narrowly avoiding capture by the German authorities. Key Elements of Its Success The Chemistry of Funès and Bourvil: La Grande Vadrouille -1966--Louis de Funes-1080...
Watching a poor VHS or DVD copy of La Grande Vadrouille reduces it to a cartoon. The restoration reveals the film’s hidden ambition: it is a road movie epic .
In La Grande Vadrouille , de Funès is not just a comedian; he is a force of nature. His character, Stanislas Lefort, is a neurotic, greedy, and vertically challenged maestro who initially tries to betray the British for a reward. De Funès’ physicality is legendary: This guide covers everything you need to know
For modern cinephiles, experiencing La Grande Vadrouille in full 1080p high definition is a revelation. The film was shot in gorgeous widescreen Totalvision by cinematographer Henri Decaë, who famously worked with French New Wave directors.
The core engine of La Grande Vadrouille is the unparalleled chemistry between Bourvil and Louis de Funès. Having previously collaborated on the successful 1965 film Le Corniaud , director Gérard Oury knew exactly how to exploit their contrasting comedic styles. Louis de Funès as Stanislas Lefort Key Elements of Its Success The Chemistry of
The making of the film was as eventful as its plot. Director Gérard Oury, who co-wrote the screenplay with his daughter Danièle Thompson (among others), had to overcome significant hurdles. To secure permission to film at the actual Opéra Garnier in Paris, Oury had to send the script directly to the then-Minister of Culture, André Malraux. Luckily, Malraux was charmed by the film’s humor and gave his personal approval for the production team to use the historic venue.
For fans and new viewers alike, the 50th-anniversary Blu-ray (released in November 2016) is the definitive way to experience the film. The "Edition Prestige" 3-disc set includes the remastered Blu-ray, a DVD copy, a bonus DVD with special features, and even a 68-page book, making it a perfect collector's item for any cinephile. The clarity of the 1080p image allows you to appreciate every nuance of Louis de Funès's manic facial expressions and the film's stunning location photography in a way that was previously impossible.