jotix100 One of the funniest comedies made for the French cinema was inspired by none other than Victor Hugo's "Ruy Blas". The film served its purpose to delight and amuse, as the unorthodox pairing of Yves Montand, one of the biggest stars in France, and Louis De Funes, a comic genius who is seen at his best in the film, were directed by Gerard Oury. The screenplay was written by Daniele Thompson, the director's daughter, Marcel Julian and Mr. Oury.The result is a sort of what feels like a French Western filmed mostly in Spain, the locale where many other pictures of the genre were shot. The action involve a corrupt tax collector Don Salluste Bazan and his servant, the rascal Blaze, out to create hell for a master whose only passion is about how much is he going to chisel out from the royal coffers. "Delusions of Grandeur" is one of the funniest films of that period. The wonderful Yves Montand shows his versatility as Blaze, a resourceful man, whose only purpose in life is to expose his deceitful employer. A sort of Robin Hood, if you will, who gave back to the exploited folks the tribute they were asked to pay the crown. Louis De Funes, a fine comic actor, shows the actor in an inspired role, who in spite of being so mean, manages to make the viewer laughs throughout the movie.Michel Polnareff's music reminds us of some of Ennio Morricone's compositions for those notorious "Spaghetti Westerns" where he provided the music. Henri Decae takes us all over Spain to show us great scenery as well as fancy interiors as befitting the court of a Spanish painted by Diego Velazquez, perhaps.

MartinHafer This film appears to be set in late 17th century Spain, but it is NOT just another costume drama. That's because it has a bizarre and often cartoony style about it--and as I knew nothing about the film, I was taken by surprise. In some ways, the cartoony ways reminded me of the dumb but very funny "The Villain".The film is about the inept and evil Don Salluste (Louis de Funès) and his valet, Blaze (Yves Montand). It's obvious that Salluste is an idiot and Blaze is the brains of the operation--much like Jeeves & Wooster. However, after Salluste robs the poor and behaves like a boorish jerk for the first half hour, he is caught in an indiscretion and all his many titles and riches are stripped from him. In a very funny twist of fate, these are all then rewarded to Blaze--who now becomes the trusted adviser to the King! Ultimately, this creates problems, as although Salluste was thoroughly hated by the other nobles, at least he knew the rules--mistreat and over-tax the poor. A group, almost like the 'anti-Three Musketeers' decide that they should stop trying to kill the King and concentrate on Blaze, as now, Blaze is encouraging the King to do insane things like curtail the abuse of the poor (such as the rule that when a nobleman kills one of their servants they now have to at least report it...how unfair!).This film achieved something difficult--very difficult. While a film can be extremely silly and cartoony, making it ALSO funny is a tough order. It could have just been a stupid film--but was in fact quite clever. If you like this sort of silliness, other than "The VIllain", you might also want to try watching "Start The Revolution Without Me"--an even sillier costume drama that is set in France during the time of the impending French Revolution.Finally a few observations. It really is Montand doing the singing, as he had a marvelous voice and was actually a very popular pop singer as well as an actor. Also, while some might take offense at or think the many midgets in the king's court was dumb, this actually WAS accurate. During this time, courts often were littered with such small people, as they were a popular fad at the time! Truly a case of the truth being stranger than fiction. And, finally, why did this movie have a spaghetti western style score? Weird.

Chris C A great performance from France's Charlie Chaplin - Luis de Funes. This movie is about a money-loving ruthless tax collector in the renaissance Spain, who loses his job and is determined to get it back. One of de Funes' best acts, and a very good job by Yves Montand as his servant. If you don't die laughing while watching this film you may safely assume that you don't have a sense of humor.

mariedup This movie is a delightful parody of Victor Hugo's masterpiece 'Ruy Blas'. Alice Sapritch (the duegna to the Queen) is, as usual, magnificent. Louis de Funes and Yves Montand make a hilarious and exhilarating pair. Highly recommended.