Cinema
Les Tontons flingueurs
Georges Lautner · 1963
Synopsis
Fernand Naudin, a retired former gangster, leads a quiet life in the provinces, where he sells tractors. A telegram summons him to Paris, to the bedside of Louis, known as the Mexican, a childhood friend turned gang boss, who is dying. Louis entrusts him with the running of his affairs and the guardianship of his daughter Patricia, who knows nothing. Fernand thus inherits a bowling alley, a brothel, a gambling den run by the Volfoni brothers and an illegal distillery in the hands of Théo, all of whom view the newcomer's arrival with disfavour.
Context
The film is adapted from a novel by Albert Simonin, Grisbi or not grisbi, and Michel Audiard wrote its dialogue, renowned for its verve and insolence. Lino Ventura plays Fernand, surrounded by Bernard Blier, Francis Blanche and Claude Rich. Released in November 1963, it pleased audiences, and its television broadcasts have made it, over the years, a cult film in France.
Who it is for
One hundred and five minutes; a crime comedy whose pleasure lies first in the dialogue and its performers.
Prizes and reception
Received with reservations by part of the critics on its release, it was restored in 4K by Gaumont in 2017.
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