U.S. title: Monsieur Gangster
Literal translation of the French title: The Gun-Toting Uncles
Fernand, a businessman with a criminal past, gets a call from Louis, one of his former criminal associates who is dying. Louis wants Fernand to take over his criminal organization after his death. The respective heads of the different branches of that organization are not happy with that situation. On top of that, Fernand becomes responsible for Louis's teenage daughter.
Mildly entertaining comedy with a completely implausible premise. The part about becoming the girl's tutor or adoptive parent is OK, though for modern times (and perhaps even for 1963) the control he applies over an 18 year-old seems a little excessive. As for the part of taking over the gang, the fact that he accepts it (and as a matter of fact that the dying man would want it in the first place) is beyond belief. The revolt of his new underlings is plausible and even just if one sees it through their eyes. This makes for a less than likeable protagonist who seems to achieve success in his goals apparently by mere tough talking and posturing. The trouble which ensues on both fronts -- parental and, say, managerial -- is exploited for humor -- in this case a somewhat childish humor with an overabundance of dialogue which reportedly has become an object of cult.
Rating: 45
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