La Cage Aux Folles (1978)

100% of critics liked it
(15 reviews)
79% of users liked it
(6,019 ratings)

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… More 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, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 31 min.
Directed By: Edouard Molinaro
Written By: Jean Poiret, Francis Veber
Genres: Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Mar 30, 1979 Wide
On DVD: Jul 24, 2001
Studio: MGM Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Josh Larsen, LarsenOnFilm
At once dated and timeless.
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Fun & gay, literally, based on hit Broadway show.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Of all the versions, imitations, and sequels, the first 1978 French picture is the best and funniest, a fresh look at machoism and drag queens; the gay couple is superb.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
How The Birdcage ought to be done and first was done.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Le Cage Aux Folles is a giddy French farce.
Luanne Brown, Chico Enterprise-Record
Love the screenplay.

Read all 6 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cassandra M

This film along with the later "Birdcage" should be compulsory viewing for all late teen agers at school. I found both films enjoyable but then I had already been to see the Stage show the films are based on, about 22 times at latest count. The show/film is a study of true… More
This film along with the later "Birdcage" should be compulsory viewing for all late teen agers at school. I found both films enjoyable but then I had already been to see the Stage show the films are based on, about 22 times at latest count. The show/film is a study of true love between two gay men being tried and tested and shown to be true. I can recommend both films, but I do SO wish they would make a true film of the stage show, after all, the story the film is based on is actually a Musical. Remember, the Supreme Gay Anthem << "I am what I am!" >> is taken from the musical stage production. Watch either of the two films and come away with satisfaction, see the stage show and weep with joy. Having said all of that, I did find "La Cage 2" made me cringe a bit. sorry.
Daniel P

This is a really good movie about tolerance that's most valuable for the boundaries that it pushed. In places absolutely hilarious and in other places very touching, this is a slow-mover which loses most of its points for its use of drag near the end - it's just way too… More
This is a really good movie about tolerance that's most valuable for the boundaries that it pushed. In places absolutely hilarious and in other places very touching, this is a slow-mover which loses most of its points for its use of drag near the end - it's just way too obvious that Albin will dress up like Laurent's mother, and that classically French comedic chaos will ensue. Still, one that's well worth watching, Michel Serrault's performance as three characters is outstanding.
Alec B

Deserves it's classic status. Not only it is funnier than the more well known American remake (The Birdcage) but it is just a better movie in my opinion. One of the first films that shows homosexuals as real people and suffer from the same problems that heterosexual couples do.
Leo L

Great movie.
Audrey L

Forget about the Birdcage-see the original-hysterically funny without trying so hard.