Another splendid period drama from France as a country aristocrat (Charles Berling) arrives at court hoping to get some help clearing the swamps on his land. But first our hapless hero Pondeludon must acquire some city social skills, such as wit, in order to gain access to court, for without this he will be ridiculed. Love interest is provided when Pondeludon sights Mathilde (Judith Godreche) and tries to save her from an arranged marriage. Much humour comes from puns, but also in the sending-up of French aristocratic manners in 18th-century Versailles, where fancy phrases were more important than integrity and compassion. Off with their heads!

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