The musical. The film adaptation of the vaudeville of the same name (musical) by French playwrights Eugene Maren Labiche and Marc-Michel. And since the author of this review is not familiar with the original source, therefore, he will evaluate the film adaptation as an independent work. This will be the second viewing of this masterpiece of Soviet cinema (more precisely, a revision), and for the first time it made an indelible impression on the author, and during the revision the cons were found, but the pros stood out even more. And here is a brief opinion - The Diamond of Soviet vaudeville. It's time to finish with this introduction and move on to the analysis.
So, the pros:
1. The scenario - everything was fine with Fadinar, the joker and the rake. Today he is marrying a girl from a rich family, although he does not seek to tie the knot. But an unpleasant incident (his horse ate a lady's straw hat, and her cousin (a military man) threatens Fadinar with breaking up the wedding if the hat is not found) forces the hero to set off in pursuit of such a trifle as a hat. This leads to a whole mountain of curious and unimaginable situations in which the Fadinar will have to show all his talents so that the bride's relatives do not suspect something is wrong, and at the same time find the hat and return it to the lady. The ending may surprise you a little, although it was guessed in advance. The script keeps you in suspense and does not let you relax for a minute, because everything happens very quickly and dynamically, plus the acting of all the participants does not leave you indifferent.
2. Humor - there is a wagon and a small cart here for this good. There is a deception of expectations, and funny dialogues in the spirit of Ilf and Petrov, and just turning upside down. And at the same time, Fadinar is trying to "save face" in a similar situation (which is extremely difficult). You may just get tired of laughing. And it's not just humor - it's high-grade humor. Perhaps now not everyone will be able to appreciate it.
3. The atmosphere is windy France in the middle of the nineteenth century, the bourgeois do not know where to put themselves, because it is no longer fashionable to serve in the army, and living on rent is too boring, so young people become rakes, like our Fadinar. And although the picture was shot in the Soviet Union, the creators manage to convince the audience that France is in front of them. The picture is light and allows the viewer to relax, while laughing heartily and having fun.
4. Music and songs are beyond praise (except for the songs of the bards and another one sung by Fadinar). The duet of Isaac Schwartz and Bulat Okudzhava has created a unique kaleidoscope of music and words that evokes both admiration and emotion. It is extremely pleasant to listen to it.
So, the cons:
1. The moral component - everything revolves around our main character, who has not changed a bit by the end. This is still the same rake and deceiver, who is easy to set up other people for his own personal benefit. I have no conscience. Yes, everything is served with a sauce of lightness, but if you look closely, it becomes clear that the main character is not such a hero. At the first viewing, it was not so obvious (the author was absorbed in the music and playing of Andrei Mironov). And some of the other characters have not gone far in terms of decency.
There is one more remark, namely a remark, since the author of this review will not dare to call it a minus. In general, the actors overplay. It is visible and it is obvious. But it's better than not playing at all.
A little bit about the main characters:
1. Leonidas Fadinar performed by Andrey Mironov is a newly-made groom who, by the will of fate, is forced to look for a straw hat on his own wedding day and not let his life be ruined. A very extravagant, ladies' man, extremely cunning and quirky. One of the best roles of Andrei Mironov in his entire career. Bravo!
2. Antoine Nonancourt, played by Vladislav Strzhelchik, is the father of the bride and the future son-in-law of Fadinar, who is always chatting and trying to upset the wedding for any little thing. Vladislav Strzhelchik was incomparable in this role. Bravo!
3. Monsieur Beaupertuis, played by Efim Kopelyan, is an extremely jealous husband whom Fadinar meets without suspecting who he is. A suspicious gentleman, but also a little naive. Another brilliant role of the great Soviet actor. Bravo!
It should also be noted Igor Kvasha (Lieutenant Tavernier), Alice Freundlich (Baroness de Champigny) and Zinovy Gerdt (Monsieur Tardiveau) and all the other wonderful actors who starred here.
A score of 8 out of 10 and a recommendation to watch!
