A family of once prosperous parasites faces dire poverty as a result of its laziness. In despair, the middle-aged son of the old patriarch begins to raid offertory boxes. Gaining skill and expertise, he descends upon the many churches and chapels of Paris like a one-man locust plague. The French police is not amused...
One does not need to be Roman Catholic in order to appreciate this comedy. But it helps if one is somewhat familiar with Roman Catholic traditions, practices and folklore. For instance, some jokes bounce harder and further if one knows that Saint Expeditus is patron saint of firm, noble decisions, rapid progress and quick results. By the same token it helps if one knows that the kindly assistance of Saint Anthony of Padua is asked for when it comes to recovering lost or stolen objects.
It's a light, fluffy meringue of a movie, but it does contain some well-aimed barbs about, say, people who give alms without charity or people who think that the Deity exists only in order to validate their every impulse, moral or immoral. Much of the charm derives from a good performance by Bourvil, who was lucky enough to be supported by a fine, funny cast. Another asset consists of an introduction to the countless churches of Paris, many of which are not only houses of prayer, but also important and delightful monuments.
"Un drôle de paroissien" was shot in black-and-white, with the exception of some (pretty funny) dream sequences.
One does not need to be Roman Catholic in order to appreciate this comedy. But it helps if one is somewhat familiar with Roman Catholic traditions, practices and folklore. For instance, some jokes bounce harder and further if one knows that Saint Expeditus is patron saint of firm, noble decisions, rapid progress and quick results. By the same token it helps if one knows that the kindly assistance of Saint Anthony of Padua is asked for when it comes to recovering lost or stolen objects.
It's a light, fluffy meringue of a movie, but it does contain some well-aimed barbs about, say, people who give alms without charity or people who think that the Deity exists only in order to validate their every impulse, moral or immoral. Much of the charm derives from a good performance by Bourvil, who was lucky enough to be supported by a fine, funny cast. Another asset consists of an introduction to the countless churches of Paris, many of which are not only houses of prayer, but also important and delightful monuments.
"Un drôle de paroissien" was shot in black-and-white, with the exception of some (pretty funny) dream sequences.
