Jour de fête (1949)

In the quaint and picturesque town of 'Sainte-Severe-sur-Indre,' life maintains a steady rhythm, with the annual highlight being the Bastille Day celebrations. Within this tranquil setting, we meet François, the town's well-meaning but often ridiculed postman. Despite the townsfolk’s behind-the-back mockery, he remains the heart of the town, his antics unintentionally providing a source of amusement. The festive day arrives, and François, clad in the uniform of the French Postal Service, directs the flagstaff raising - a task that teeters on the brink of chaos, much to the townsfolk's mirth. Yet, they reassure him of his importance, their laughter masked by feigned admiration. As the day turns into an evening of revelry, François, in his inebriated state, is coaxed into watching a short film showcasing the modern delivery techniques of the U.S. Postal Service. The film, a whirlwind of helicopters, airplanes, and swift efficiency, leaves François awestruck and oblivious to the fact that he is the butt of a cruel joke. Awakening from his drunken stupor in a goods wagon, François is a man transformed. Filled with newfound determination, he sets out to revolutionize his own delivery methods. Despite the glaring lack of advanced equipment, François is undeterred. Armed with nothing more than his trusty bicycle, his ingenuity, and the dubious advice of the townsfolk, he embarks on a comical quest for speed and efficiency. His every move, an echo of 'the American way,' leaves the townsfolk whispering and watching in amusement as François pushes the boundaries of his quaint postal route. His mission, a testament to his unwavering spirit, is driven by a singular goal - to deliver mail at breakneck speed, no matter the cost.

Jour de fête is a comedy movie featuring Guy Decomble.

Jour de fête is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy Jour de fête on Amazon Video and Apple TV.