Mr. Lestingois runs a bookstore and lives with his wife and housekeeper (mistress). While people-watching, he spies a bum jumping into the river. He runs out and jumps in the water to save him.
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| All these people are watching, but only one jumps in to save him. |
Mr. Lestingois brings the bum/tramp/whatever into his house, where we learn his name is Boudu. Boudu is unnaturally demanding for a tramp. He doesn't want wine, he wants water. He doesn't want their soup, he wants sardines. Anyway, Boudu's behavior is grotesque, carefree, and mostly funny. (Also near the end he does a Chaplin impression, who is the most famous tramp).
Mr. Lestingois buys him a new suit and shoes. He lets Boudu stay in his house as his guest. But since this is a comedy about the difference in classes, we are again reminded that this guy is a bum. He is rude, dirty, perverted, and crass. And he is never grateful, not once.
Mr. Lestingois is not without fault. He's always sleeping with his cute housekeeper when he gets the chance. He says his wife won't fulfill him. Maybe she's depressed, I'm not going to judge her.
The housekeeper orders Boudu to shine his shoes before going out. So he does. With his bare hands. Then, proceeds to wipe them all over Mrs. Lestingois' stuff. She confronts him angrily and he apparently rapes her. But she's cool with it, probably since this is the first time in a long time a man has paid attention to her. So she starts loving on Boudu, while her husband cheats on her with the housekeeper. Soon, they catch each other in the act. Now what are they supposed to do? Lol, not telling.
This movie was well done. And, it was restored so the picture was really crisp. I thought it was one of the funniest old films I have seen. I will give it an 8/10.
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