Delusions of Grandeur

Original title: La folie des grandeurs

1971
PG
1h 25m

IMDb RATING

7.2/10

8.2K

YOUR RATING

Louis de Funès and Yves Montand in Delusions of Grandeur (1971)

Play trailer3:18

1 Video

99+ Photos

Parody Adventure Comedy History

In 17th-century Spain, the Minister of Finance tries to dishonor the queen with an overly complex plan.In 17th-century Spain, the Minister of Finance tries to dishonor the queen with an overly complex plan.In 17th-century Spain, the Minister of Finance tries to dishonor the queen with an overly complex plan.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.2/10

8.2K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Trivia
The role of Blaze was written with Bourvil in mind, which would have marked Gérard Oury's fourth collaboration with the actor, and his third time pairing him alongside Louis de Funès, after The Sucker (1965) and Don't Look Now... We're Being Shot At! (1966). After Bourvil passed away from cancer in September 1970, Oury and co-writer Danièle Thompson were at a party talking to actress Simone Signoret, who suggested her husband Yves Montand take on the role, which was completely rewritten. Oury compared the two takes on the character to valets made famous in plays by Molière, with Bourvil's being a "Sganarelle" and Montand's a "Scapin".

Connections
Featured in Montand à la rencontre de Pagnol (1986)

Soundtracks
Générique
Written and Performed by Michel Polnareff

User reviews26

Review

Featured review

Timeless film

You don't need to be a Francophone to enjoy this one...but it helps. The film, which has stood the test of time, remains one of the best satirical comedies about power and the idiots who crave it. If you pay close attention to the dialogue (or subtitles), you'll discover dozens of witty lines that are still pertinent today. The film is set in 16th century Spain, but it could have been set in any contemporary society. Do you want to make fun of government? Watch this!