The Devil by the Tail
The Devil by the Tail

The Devil by the Tail

1969Movie90 minFrench

In this comedy, a run-down hotel drums up customers by sabotaging passing cars. The stuck motorists are then obliged to stay. Unfortunately, one of the sabotaged cars belongs to a bank robber. The hotel staff wants the robber out, but they also want to keep his ill-gotten money.

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IMDb6.3/10
Director: Philippe de BrocaGenres: Comedy, Crime

Plot Summary

A Parisian playwright, Gaspard, is constantly pursued by debt collectors and desperate for money. He devises an elaborate scheme to fake his own death with the help of a group of eccentric actors, hoping to leave behind a considerable life insurance policy for his devoted wife. However, their elaborate plan quickly unravels into a chaotic and comedic series of mishaps, with the line between acting and reality blurring dangerously.

Critical Reception

The Devil by the Tail was met with mixed reviews, with some critics praising its playful and inventive comedic style, while others found its plot convoluted and its humor occasionally falling flat. Despite this, it is often remembered for its charming performances and its unique blend of farce and a touch of the absurd.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its inventive comedic premise and lively direction.
  • Some found the plot to be overly complex and the humor inconsistent.
  • The performances of the main cast were generally well-received.

Google audience: Audience reception data for The Devil by the Tail on Google is not readily available or has not been widely aggregated, making it difficult to summarize specific user sentiments.

Fun Fact

Maria Schneider, who plays the role of Nathalie, would go on to achieve international fame for her role in Bernardo Bertolucci's controversial film 'Last Tango in Paris' just a few years later.

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