One of the funniest films ever made. The story is of a gay couple, Renato, (played by Ugo Tognazzi) and Albin, (Michel Serrault), who runs the Riveria’s most outrageous nightclub, in which Serrault is the leading drag act.
There is a complication as Renato’s son, Laurent, the result of his only straight one night stand, is bringing home his fiance and her very straight, religious parents, with their own dark secret.
Renato and Albin attempt the impossible to try and hide their decadent lifestyle to impress the parents and the whole situation descends into a complete French farce – which just gets more and more complicated and funnier and funnier.
Why the French version is so much better than the American ‘The Gold Cage’ is the acting. The couple have genuine affection for each other and work together to try and help Lauren achieve happiness.
One of my favourite scenes where Renato tries to teach Albin to behave in a manly manner.
Good discussion of the film.
Community Journalist
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