The Toy
Seen it?1976 | 95 min | Comedy, Drama
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With little lasting buzz, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Local Hero or Breakfast at Tiffany's, start here.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 35 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Made in 1976: an older pace and style.
When Francois, a journalist, tours a big store for an article, he is chosen by the son of the newspaper's owner, Rambal-Cochet, as his new toy. Needing money and unwilling to quit his job, Francois agrees to this ridiculous assignment. Gradually befriending the spoiled boy, he induces him to play at making a newspaper, unveiling publicly the tyrannical way of life of the father. The powerful emotional climax we experience with the child astonishes both men.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsNot counted
Not enough reviews on record yet
- AudiencesSolid
6.9 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 10K people sought it out in the past year
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Cast & crew
Directed by Francis Veber
- Pierre RichardFrançois Perrin, journalist
- Michel BouquetPierre Rambal-Cochet, powerful businessman
- Fabrice GrecoEric Rambal-Cochet, son of Pierre
- Jacques FrançoisMr. de Blénac, editor-in-chief of the newspaper
- Daniel CeccaldiThe family man
- Charles GérardThe photographer, colleague of François
- Michel AumontGeorges Pouzier, owner of the toy store
- Gérard JugnotPignier, journalist with sweaty hands
- Suzy DysonChristine Rambal-Cochet, Pierre's young wife
- Michel RobinThe butler