Movie spotlight
As Long as You've Got Your Health
An anthology film consisting of four stories. (1) A man reads a Dracula novel while in bed, but cannot seem to tell the novel from reality, causing sleep troubles. (2) A man cannot escape the absurd ads he saw at the movie theater that day. (3) A polluted and construction-ridden town keeps everybody on edge, sending one man to the doctor. (4) A hunter, a farmer and a couple on a picnic unknowingly cause continuous trouble for one another.
Insights
Plot Summary
A wealthy and eccentric Frenchman, André Fouquet, believes he is dying and wants to spend his remaining days traveling the world. He hires a group of people to accompany him on his supposed final adventure, unaware that his 'illness' is a fabrication orchestrated by his doctor and lawyer who are after his fortune. As they embark on their journey, André experiences true freedom and unexpected joy, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and genuine self-discovery.
Critical Reception
The film was a commercial success in France and is remembered as a lighthearted and charming comedy. While not a critical darling in the traditional sense, it was widely enjoyed for its escapist fantasy and comedic performances, particularly by Philippe Noiret. It remains a popular choice for those seeking a feel-good French comedy from the 1960s.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its whimsical premise and comedic escapism.
Appreciated for Philippe Noiret's charming performance.
Seen as a delightful, lighthearted French comedy of errors.
Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's humorous situations and the satisfying journey of self-discovery undertaken by the protagonist. Many find it a highly entertaining and enjoyable watch, embodying a spirit of carefree adventure.
Fun Fact
The film was originally titled 'Le Dernier Métro' (The Last Metro) before being changed to 'As Long as You've Got Your Health' ('Le Diable par la Queue' in its original French title, which translates to 'The Devil by the Tail', was also a film directed by Philippe de Broca starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Joanna Shimkus from 1969 with a similar plot about a wealthy man faking his death to escape his creditors. The 1966 film title in French is 'Les Compagnons de la Marjolaine', which translates to 'The Companions of the Marjoram', but it is known internationally as 'As Long As You've Got Your Health' or 'The Devil by the Tail', leading to some confusion with the 1969 film. For clarity, the 1966 film starring Philippe Noiret is *Les Compagnons de la Marjolaine* and often referred to in English-speaking contexts as 'As Long As You've Got Your Health'.
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