When Francois, a journalist, tours a big store for an article, he is chosen by the son of the newspaper's owner, Rambal-Cochet, as his new toy. Needing money and unwilling to quit his job, Francois agrees to this ridiculous assignment. Gradually befriending the spoiled boy, he induces him to play at making a newspaper, unveiling publicly the tyrannical way of life of the father. The powerful emotional climax we experience with the child astonishes both men.
Acting
Pierre Richard's physical comedy meets genuine pathos.
Writing
Veber's script balances absurd premise with real emotional stakes.
Director
Francis Veber
Pierre Richard
François Perrin, journalist
Michel Bouquet
Pierre Rambal-Cochet, powerful businessman
Fabrice Greco
Eric Rambal-Cochet, son of Pierre
Jacques François
Mr. de Blénac, editor-in-chief of the newspaper
Daniel Ceccaldi
The family man
Charles Gérard
The photographer, colleague of François
Michel Aumont
Georges Pouzier, owner of the toy store
Gérard Jugnot
Pignier, journalist with sweaty hands
Suzy Dyson
Christine Rambal-Cochet, Pierre's young wife
Michel Robin
The butler
Michèle Sand
Nicole Perrin, wife of François
Alix Mahieux
The governess
Lyne Chardonnet
Miss Blond
Yves Barsacq
Robert
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was remade as a Richard Pryor vehicle in 1982, stripping out the class critique entirely. The French original hits harder.
Veber later adapted this premise into his Hollywood hit 'The Dinner Game'—he clearly had thoughts about rich people treating humans as entertainment.
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