A foundling, raised in the circus, Sam Lion becomes a businessman after a trapeze accident. However, when he reaches fifty and becomes tired of his responsibilities and of his son Jean-Philippe, he decides to disappear at sea. However, he runs into Albert Duvivier, one of his former employees. He comes to realise that he has ignored the important things in his life.
Acting
Belmondo's physicality — still swinging between charm and wreckage.
Direction
Lelouch's restless camera chasing a man who can't outrun himself.
Cinematography
Circus warmth vs. corporate cold — visual guilt trip.
Director
Claude Lelouch
Jean-Paul Belmondo
Sam Lion
Richard Anconina
Albert Duvivier aka Al, Sam's fired employee
Marie-Sophie L.
Victoria, daughter of Sam
Jean-Philippe Chatrier
Jean-Philippe Lion, son of Sam
Lio
Yvette, Sam's first wife
Daniel Gélin
Pierre Duvivier, Albert's father
Béatrice Agenin
Corinne Lion, Victoria's mother
Michel Beaune
Maître Vergne, Sam's notary
Pierre Vernier
Priest of Sam
Gila von Weitershausen
German tourist in Africa
Annie Philippe
Sam's secretary
Céline Caussimon
Al's sister
Alexis Gruss
Monsieur Loyal
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
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