Themes: Schemes and Ruses, Assumed Identities, Gender-Bending
Main Cast: Ugo Tognazzi, Michel Serrault, Michel Galabru, Claire Maurier, Remi Laurent
Release Year: 1978
Country: IT/FR
Run Time: 91 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Plot
An international comedy sensation based on a successful French stage play, La Cage aux Folles depicts the farcical chaos that results when a gay man attempts to pose as straight for the benefit of his son's future in-laws. Renato (Ugo Tognazzi) owns a popular nightclub and is the long-time lover of Zaza (Michel Serrault), a female impersonator who is the club's main attraction. Unfortunately, Renato's son Laurent (Remy Laurent) has told none of this to his future father-in-law, an important figure in a morally conservative political organization. Not wanting to ruin his son's chance of happiness, Renato agrees to pose as a straight man, but he finds his familiar habits, and those of the even more flamboyant Zaza, getting in the way at every turn. Zaza is the one who comes up with what he thinks is an ideal solution: he'll dress in drag and pose as Renato's wife. Naturally, the plan does not pan out as expected. La Cage aux Folles' pleasant, unthreatening comic sensibility attracted a large mainstream audience in both Europe and the United States, which was at the time unusual for a film with a homosexual theme. Indeed, the film was popular enough to inspire two remakes: a stage musical and, nearly two decades later, the Hollywood comedy The Birdcage with Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, and Gene Hackman. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide
Review
A study in high camp and chaotic hilarity, La Cage aux Folles became America's most successful foreign-language film on its 1978 release. It was also the first gay hit in film history, inspiring not one but two sequels, as well as an American remake, Mike Nichols's The Birdcage (1996). Despite its milestone status, it was denounced by some gay publications, which took issue with its gay and racial stereotypes. La Cage may indeed suffer from shameless stereotyping and other obvious flaws, but as a high farce, it remains a classic. Much of its strength lies in Edouard Molinaro's assured, frenetic direction, as well as in the performances that he draws from his actors. Michel Serrault as Albin provides the film with its heart and soul. Having performed the role over 1700 times in the original stage version, he inhabits Albin like a treasured article of clothing, a well-worn and well-loved second skin. His portrayal reflects the film as a whole: colorful, high-strung, sometimes insufferable, but exceedingly tender-hearted. He and Ugo Tognazzi's Renato make believable, affectionate partners as they dance to the choreography of mounting hysteria, reveling in stereotypes yet imbuing them with considerable sympathy. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, All Movie Guide
La Cage aux Folles is a 1978 film adaptation of the 1973 play by Jean Poiret. It was directed by Édouard Molinaro. Like the play, the film tells the story of a homosexual couple - Renato, the manager of a Saint-Tropez nightclub featuring transvestite entertainment, and Albin, his star attraction - and the adventures that ensue when Renato's son brings home his fiancee's ultra-conservative parents to meet them.
The film (subtitled "Birds of a Feather" on the US poster) won over audiences with its sight gags, uproarious complications, and a tender and touching conclusion. It played for well over a year at the Paris Theatre, an art house cinema in New York City, as well as theatres throughout the country in both urban and rural areas. For years it remained the most successful foreign film to be released in the United States.[1]
Unlike many other non English language films, the English dubbing was done generally by the original cast.
The film was followed by two sequels: Cage aux folles II (1980), also directed by Édouard Molinaro, and La Cage aux folles 3 - 'Elles' se marient (1985), directed by Georges Lautner.
A 1983 Broadway musical called La Cage aux Folles based on the play and the film was also successful.
During 2008, a production of La Cage aux Folles opened at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London's West End. During October of the same year, it transferred to the Playhouse Theatre. Graham Norton was succeeded in the role of Albin/Zaza by John Barrowman in September 2009.
Back to the Wall •The Road to Shame •Witness in the City
1960s
Une fille pour l'été •The End of Belle •A Touch of Treason •Les Sept péchés capitaux (segment) •Arsene Lupin vs. Arsene Lupin •Agent 38-24-36 •Male Hunt •When the Peasants Pass •To Commit a Murder •Oscar •Hibernatus •My Uncle Benjamin
1970s
La liberté en croupe •The Most Gentle Confessions •Sweet Deception •The Hostage Gang •A Pain in the A... •The Irony of Chance •The Pink Telephone •Dracula and Son •The Hurried Man •La Cage aux Folles •Cause toujours... tu m'intéresses!
