Royal Affair, A; Le Roi
1949. A ROYAL AFFAIR (Le Roi) (1950-France). With maurice chevalier, annie DUCAUX, SOPHIE DESMARETS. The great Maurice Chevalier, who epitomizes France as much as the Eiffel Tower or Folies Bergere, adds Gallic spark to this sprightly farce. He is cast as john IV, King Of Cerdania, a carefree monarch and unabashed ladiesÕ man who has come to France after an eight- year absence to sign a treaty. While visiting a race track, the king is hit in the face with a creampuff tossed by the wife Of a senator whose party rules the French government. The king is amused by the incident, which nonetheless causes a national scandal. What follows is a series Of amusing comic encounters and sexcapades, mostly involving a quartet Of characters: the king; the senator; the senaÂtor’s wife; and the senator’s new mistress, a famous and beautiful actress. At its best, the film serves as a clever parody Of manipulative, pompous politicians AND royal lineage. Plus, EACH lime Chevalier makes an appearance on screen and especially when he sings-a smile is guaranteed. In French with English subtitles. 91 minutes. Comedy