Who payed the critics

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

A made-for-TV film of a live production of a stage version in Paris, not a musical though there is a bit of singing and dancing. Nor is it set in the eponymous night club but in the apartment of Georges and Albin next door.As the odd couple, Georges (Christian Clavier, to some extent reprising his gloriously camp hotelier in "Les Visiteurs") and Albin (Didier Bourdon, neither petite nor at all pretty) are wonderful: their body language, their dialogue and their often bizarre outfits are all a joy. The supporting cast are really just that, subordinate to the drama between the two principals and not intended to shine. Special mention though for the black cook Jacob (Thierry Laurion), who steals the scene on every appearance.