Beaumarchais the Scoundrel (Beaumarchais, l'insolent) (1996)
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70% of critics liked it
(10 reviews) -
55% of users liked it
(161 ratings)
This sumptuous French drama offers episodes from the notorious life of 18th century socialite and playwright Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais. The story begins in the 1770s with a rehearsal of his "The Barber of Seville." Young friend of Voltaire, Philipp Gudin introduces himself to… More This sumptuous French drama offers episodes from the notorious life of 18th century socialite and playwright Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais. The story begins in the 1770s with a rehearsal of his "The Barber of Seville." Young friend of Voltaire, Philipp Gudin introduces himself to the great playwright and offers to become his personal secretary. He then becomes the adventurous Beaumarchais' keeper as the author gets involved in a variety of situations including a duel with an angry husband, his battle with the corrupt French government and a serious long-term affair with Marie-Theres de Willer. It all comes to a climax when King Louis XV assigns the playwright a secret mission to London. There he must find and retrieve a damning document from transvestite aristocrat Chevalier D'Eon. Unfortunately, Beaumarchais gets tangled up with supporting American rebels and ends up tossed in jail. Louis XVI sees that he is finally released and then the writer becomes an arms smuggler for American revolutionaries. All of his activities bankrupt him and so Beaumarchais must return to writing plays. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Directed By
- Edouard Molinaro
- Genres
- Drama, Action & Adventure, Romance, Art House & International
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Mar 20, 1996 Wide
Critic Reviews
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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Here is a lavish and charming film about a decade in the life of the multi-talented eighteenth century playwright and political activist
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Jeff Vice, Deseret News, Salt Lake City
A very witty, farcical comedy-drama that plays fast and loose with historical fact.
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David Luty, Film Journal International
Little more than a series of innocuous adventures that just happen to be inhabited by the same character.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
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Cast
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Fabrice Luchini
as Pierre Caron de Beaumarchais
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Manuel Blanc
as Gudin
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Jacques Weber
as Duke of Chaulnes
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Sandrine Kiberlain
as Marie-Therese
- Michel Aumont
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Jean-François Balmer
as Sartine
- Jay Benedict
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Dominique Besnehard
as Louis XVI
- Roland Blanche (II)
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Patrick Bouchitey
as Mssr. Lejay
- Evelyne Bouix
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Jean-Claude Brialy
as Abbot
- Isabelle Carré
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Jean-Claude de Goros
as Fanatic
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William Doherty
as Rochford's Majordomo
- Etienne Draber
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Niels Dubost
as Count Almaviva
- Dominic Gould
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Murray Head
as Lord Rochford
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Maurice Illouz
as Theatre Concierge
- Maka Kotto
- Guy Marchand
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Claire Nebout
as Chevalier d'Eon
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Michel Piccoli
as Prince De Conti
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Michel Serrault
as Louis XV
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Eric Wapler
as Hortales Porter
- Charles Aznavour
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Martin Lamotte
as le Comte de la Blache
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Jean Yanne
as Louis Goezman
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Roger Brierley
as Printer
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Marc Dudicourt
as Bartholo
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David Gabison
as Doublemain
- Pierre Gérard
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Judith Godrèche
as Marie-Antoinette
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Pascal Thomas
as Theatre Critic
- Alain Chabat
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Jeff Nuttall
as Benjamin Franklin
- André Oumansky
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Florence Thomassin
as Marion Menard
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Bruno Lochet
as French Gaoler
- François Morel
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Jean-Marie Besset
as Desfontaines
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Richard Durden
as Smith
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Sandrine Le Berre
as Young Conti Girl
- José Garcia
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Séverine Ferrer
as Lison-Cherubin
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Marc Habib
as Chamberlain
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Axelle Laffont
as Mariette Lejay
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John Armstrong
as English Officer
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Violaine Barret
as Woman in Theatre
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Alex Broutard
as Theatre Critic
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Xavier Cantat
as Student in Theatre Square
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Léon Clemence
as Commanding Officer
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Luc Teyssier D'Orfeuil
as Guard Officer in Theatre
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Jean-Philippe Daguerre
as Young Officer at Theatre
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Marie Delerm
as Marceline
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Dominique Dheur
as Husband in Theatre
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Jean-Christophe Fleith
as Hunt Officer
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Frédéric Foucault
as Man in Theatre Square
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Jean-Michel Geneste
as Tramp in Court
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Eloïse Laffont
as Child
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Patrice Laffont
as Customs Officer
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Patrice Le Guet
as Franklin's Majordomo
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Pierre Lopez
as Young Man in Court
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Robert Sandrey
as Old Assessor
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Romain Sellier
as English Prisoner
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Cécile Van Den Abeele
as Suzanne
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Nicolas Vayssie
as Young Man in Theatre
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Daniel Villattes
as Heckler at Theatre
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Jean Wassmer
as Court Official
