Paris 36

Cast: Gerard Jugnot, Kad Merad, Clovis Cornilliac
Director: Christophe Barratier
Rating: M

Paris 36 is a treat for the eyes and the ears - a lush, heart-warming and hugely entertaining movie directed by Christophe Barratier (Les Choristes).

Its 1936. Blum is in power, workers are striking and the weight of the Depression is hitting hard. While such matters might normally seem unimportant to Germain Pigoil, the stage manager of a small theatre in the Faubourg district, the chaos of the city has had a huge impact on him - his wife has left and taken custody of their son, and unscrupulous local entrepreneur Galapiat has closed his failing theatre.

With the help of his friends, idealist Milou and flawed comedian Jacky, Pigoil strikes a deal with Galapait, and sets about returning the theatre to its glory days. But their line-up of amateur cabaret and half-baked comedy looks decidedly lacklustre until the beautiful ingénue Douce walks into the auditions.

Paris 36 is a fabulous reminder of the power of community and the romance of the theatre.

Release date: April 30