Between them the other two posters seem to have got it just about right. In other words this IS a sequel that works as well as if not better than the original. Those who missed the original are quickly brought up to speed with a particularly brilliant precis which concludes with a natural link that enables us to zoom straight into THIS film, picking up 'Blondie' and Christine in Brazil even as back in Paris a colleague of the late Milan is preparing the ground to discredit Toulouse (Jean Rochefort) again utilising Perrin as an unwitting pawn. The stage is now set for more assassination attempts that go comedically wrong and allow the excellent cast to turn in standout performances - Mirielle Darc gets a 'with the participation of' credit and is off-screen for the bulk of the action suggesting problems behind-the-scenes - as they did the first time around. The two films are now available as a DVD package and are highly recommended.
10 Reviews
6.6/10. Recommended
athanasiosze4 March 2024
This is the sequel of "Le grand blond avec une chaussure noire", 1972. By mistake, i watched it before i watch the first movie. However, this is a comedy in the vein of PINK PANTHER franchise with Peter Sellers, so it's not a big deal. I mean, you can watch these movies even in the wrong chronological order.
Now about the sequel itself, this is not a very good movie but it was entertaining enough to watch it. Good actors and some hilarious moments that made me laugh out loud. The beginning was not interesting but as it progressed, it was getting better.
A good, naive and funny comedy for all the family.
Now about the sequel itself, this is not a very good movie but it was entertaining enough to watch it. Good actors and some hilarious moments that made me laugh out loud. The beginning was not interesting but as it progressed, it was getting better.
A good, naive and funny comedy for all the family.
Welcome Back, Tall Blond Man!
Galina_movie_fan2 January 2007
"The Return Of The Tall Blond Man" (1974) directed by Yves Robert is one of the most incredible things that could happen in the world of movies - it is a sequel that works, that is as funny (and sometimes funnier) as the original and is almost as clever and bright as the first movie. The soundtrack is simply unbelievable. Pierre Richard, who once again is expected to be a naive pawn, fights back with his own plan which involves so many hilarious acts of physical comedy that they may fill the movie twice as long as this brilliant Return of one of the best comedies ever made. This is the movie to rewatch and enjoy over and over again.
A sequel that's much better than the original
imdb-16326 January 2000
I strongly recommend viewing this sequel before the original. Indeed, Le Retour will probably leave you intrigued to watch "Le Grand Blonde", but I can easily imagine a viewer seeing 'Le Grand Blond' and not bothering to look for a sequel.
"Le Retour" is worth watching even if you've recently seen the American remake, "The Man with One Red Shoe". In fact, give it a chance even if you didn't particularly like the Hanks film -- the gulf is akin to (but not quite as large as) the one between Jean Luc Beson's Le Femme Nikita and the Hollywood remake -- a huge difference in tone, richness and sheer cleverness (This film may be where Quentin Tarantino got his by-now-familiar Mexican standoffs.)
If you worry about seeing films out of order, have no fear! There's charming introduction, where the characters and events of the original 'Grand blond' are dealt out and explained as cards in a magic act (rather clever ...and apropos) It may leave you feeling as if you're missing a lot of background, but you aren't. It's a fine demonstration of the show biz maxim "leave them wanting more"
I first saw this film over 20 years ago at a college-sponsored "Midnight Movies" and enjoyed it so much that I never forgot it and kept an active eye open for an opportunity to see it again (and show it to my friends)
About a year ago, I happened across both movies at a small local video. By now, I'd long since forgotten if I had seen the 'le Grand Blond' or 'Le Retour' (the sequel), so I started with the original.
It was such a total disappointment that I couldn't bring myself to put the sequel in the VCR. Where was the charm I remembered? I wrote the whole thing off as one of those college experiences you can never re- create. Could I really have been that different at 16?
Fortunately, I did end up playing 'Le retour' a few days later. It still held a large measure of the appeal I recall from 1978, and remains firmly among the films I recommend
"Le Retour" is worth watching even if you've recently seen the American remake, "The Man with One Red Shoe". In fact, give it a chance even if you didn't particularly like the Hanks film -- the gulf is akin to (but not quite as large as) the one between Jean Luc Beson's Le Femme Nikita and the Hollywood remake -- a huge difference in tone, richness and sheer cleverness (This film may be where Quentin Tarantino got his by-now-familiar Mexican standoffs.)
If you worry about seeing films out of order, have no fear! There's charming introduction, where the characters and events of the original 'Grand blond' are dealt out and explained as cards in a magic act (rather clever ...and apropos) It may leave you feeling as if you're missing a lot of background, but you aren't. It's a fine demonstration of the show biz maxim "leave them wanting more"
I first saw this film over 20 years ago at a college-sponsored "Midnight Movies" and enjoyed it so much that I never forgot it and kept an active eye open for an opportunity to see it again (and show it to my friends)
About a year ago, I happened across both movies at a small local video. By now, I'd long since forgotten if I had seen the 'le Grand Blond' or 'Le Retour' (the sequel), so I started with the original.
It was such a total disappointment that I couldn't bring myself to put the sequel in the VCR. Where was the charm I remembered? I wrote the whole thing off as one of those college experiences you can never re- create. Could I really have been that different at 16?
Fortunately, I did end up playing 'Le retour' a few days later. It still held a large measure of the appeal I recall from 1978, and remains firmly among the films I recommend
not necessary
arthera0913 January 2008
Warning: Spoilers
The charms of the last movie were lost here. The movie turned a little too absurd for me. It seemed as if a lot of things were forced and they were not able to get me to care for the characters like I did in the last movie. It was funny, but what made the last movie enjoyable just was not there. By making everything a little more ridiculous took away the real nature of the characters. I do not think they needed to make this movie. It was enjoyable as I watched it, but I could have spent the time watching a different movie. I kind of liked the ending, but it was a little predictable. Overall not a great sequel and this is why they should not always make remakes.
Incroyable aussi!
artzau28 April 2001
I can agree with the other review only that this is a hilarious. I do not at all share the view that this excellent remake pales the original. No way. Now, let me say this: I generally detest remakes and sequels. They are generally only bland rehashes of the original and add nothing new. There are exceptions: The Godfather, Part II comes to mind, largely because of the introduction of Robert De Niro and making it a prequel. But, this film is great. The story line shifts as the bumbling Richard engages in some clever antics, again fraught with the comedy of errors approach and perfectly timed slapstick. The script is great and departs from the original, giving it a fresh, exciting approach. I don't think it is as hilarious as the original but the beauty of that is, this film is different enough to make it thoroughly enjoyable. Une fois plus, s.v.p.!
this return should never have happened
wvisser-leusden30 August 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Whatever the success of its predecessor, 'Le retour du grand blond' (= French for 'the return of the tall blond man') can safely be labeled as a miscarriage.
Its plot, providing an almost endless sequence of just-not slap sticks, nowhere & never carries you away. Even its distant link to James Bond hardly makes sense.
The only memorable scene is provided by male lead Pierre Richard, getting stuck with his finger in a street grill.
However, a positive exception is made by its shooting, which is fully up to 1974-standards. But sadly that's all there is. Not even Mireille Darc is able to lift 'Le retour du grand blond' from its misery.
Its plot, providing an almost endless sequence of just-not slap sticks, nowhere & never carries you away. Even its distant link to James Bond hardly makes sense.
The only memorable scene is provided by male lead Pierre Richard, getting stuck with his finger in a street grill.
However, a positive exception is made by its shooting, which is fully up to 1974-standards. But sadly that's all there is. Not even Mireille Darc is able to lift 'Le retour du grand blond' from its misery.
Actor Pierre Richard is such a joy to watch that one is compelled to state that fun would never cease to end !!!!
FilmCriticLalitRao7 April 2015
The fun which audiences had due to Yves Robert's ingenuous story telling methods in "The Tall Blond Man with One Black Shoe" continues without any break in "The Return of the Tall Blond Man". Much of the action concentrates its focus on the notion that if a spy is created for some specific targets to be met, this person can also be allowed to die once those targets are achieved. French actors Pierre Richard as a spy and Mireille Darc as the spy's girl friend travel to Brazil as love birds where they are able to escape danger by being vigilant during all times. A key aspect of this film is about how a bureaucrat would try to do anything possible in order to please a minister ? This sub plot brings a fresh twist to the story wherein direct political involvement in matters of spies are brought to the fore. This situation gives rise to a minor yet decisive conflict between a secret agent and his contemporary.The fun does not seem to end as a lot of comic situations are added in the film to depict the futility of espionage.
Intrigue comic with turnabouts also known as twists
Apollo15AnnoPianoCatDogSnailAnt25 April 2020
Instances in here I find a little interesting and some parts are dope and the finale a little confusing in the orchestra but funny and good and the Bond parts are awesome. Good followup with turnabouts also known as twists.
Great!
over-1382914 May 2021
Just like in the first part (Le grand blond avec une chaussure noir) I had a lot of fun. The soundtrack, keeps the same theme, with Romanian folklore performed by Gheorghe Zamfir, sometimes accompanied by samba rhythms, delights you. Besides playing Pierre Richard, I really liked Jean Rochefort's acting. He was portrayed in the perfect role, the smile under his mustache made him look like a real intriguer. The film is very suitable for watching it in the evening, you go at bedtime with a smile on your face, even the next morning you remember the funny scenes with which the film is sprinkled. It is a festival of good mood.
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