Very Happy Alexander

Very Happy Alexander (Alexandre le Bienheureux, "Blissful Alexander") is a 1968 French comedy film, directed by Yves Robert, starring Philippe Noiret, Marlène Jobert and Françoise Brion. This was comic actor Pierre Richard's third appearance on film, playing a secondary role toward the end of the plot.

The film was released on DVD on 4 May 2004.

Brief summary
Philippe Noiret plays a henpecked childless farmer that lives oppressed by his authoritarian and materialistic wife, being the only worker in his farm. Whenever he attempts to take a small rest, indulge in any distraction, or simply falls asleep out of exhaustion, there she is chasing him to move on. When she and her elderly parents are killed in a car accident, he decides that the time has come to take it easy and enjoy life a little, sets all his livestock free, and then practically disappears. The only clue that he is still alive is his dog, who periodically goes shopping to the nearby town with a basket in its mouth. Concerns about Alexander's fate are the center of the town's gossip. After several attempts, a delegation sent by the citizens finds he has retired—to his bed. This creates no small social upheaval in this working-class small French town where hard work is regarded as a virtue, and hence his attitude is viewed as a scandal and a menace.

Cast

 * Philippe Noiret — Alexandre
 * Françoise Brion — La Grande, Alexandre's wife
 * Marlène Jobert — Agathe
 * Paul Le Person — Sanguin
 * Tsilla Chelton — Madame Bouillot
 * Léonce Corne — Lamendin
 * Pierre Richard — Colibert
 * Jean Saudray — Pinton
 * Marcel Bernier — Malicorne
 * Bernard Charlan — The mayor
 * Madeleine Damien — Madame Boisseau
 * Pierre Maguelon — Verglandier
 * François Vibert — Alexandre's father in law
 * Jean Carmet — La Fringale