The Toy

1976 1h 35m FR

👍

6.9

SOLID

⭐

7.4

IMDB

★6.9TMDB · 341★7.4IMDB · 6,561

ComedyDrama

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

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.

“Some stories are better left unspoiled.”

WhatsApp X Facebook Telegram

Where to watch · US

Amazon VideoRent

Apple TV StoreRent

Google Play MoviesRent

YouTubeRent

Amazon VideoBuy

Apple TV StoreBuy

Google Play MoviesBuy

YouTubeBuy

Fandango At HomeBuy

Cast

Pierre Richard
François Perrin, journalist
Michel Bouquet
Pierre Rambal-Cochet, powerful businessman
Fabrice Greco
Eric Rambal-Cochet, son of Pierre
Jacques François
Mr. de Blénac, editor-in-chief of the newspaper
Daniel Ceccaldi
The family man
Charles Gérard
The photographer, colleague of François
Michel Aumont
Georges Pouzier, owner of the toy store
Gérard Jugnot
Pignier, journalist with sweaty hands

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Francis Veber
Writers: Francis Veber
Languages: French
Countries: France

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 6

ERA

Did you know

50 years old — a genuine piece of film history.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 6

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Francis Veber, shot by Étienne Becker. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 6

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Vladimir Cosma. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 6

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Gérard Pollicand shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 6

CAST

Did you know

Pierre Richard and Michel Bouquet and Fabrice Greco carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 6

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt0074720 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Francis Veber directs. Étienne Becker behind the camera. Vladimir Cosma scores. Gérard Pollicand cuts. Runs lean at under 100 minutes. Produced in France. Dialogue in French.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

150 years old — a genuine piece of film history.
2Directed by Francis Veber, shot by Étienne Becker. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
3Original score by Vladimir Cosma. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
4Editor Gérard Pollicand shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
5Pierre Richard and Michel Bouquet and Fabrice Greco carry the top of the cast.
6IMDB entry: tt0074720 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.