King of Hearts

Directed by Philippe de Broca
Starring Alan Bates, Genevieve Bujold, Pierre Brasseur, Jean-Claude Brialy, Adolfo Celi, Françoise Christophe, Micheline Presle, Michel Serrault
Run Time 102 min

During World War I, Scottish soldier Private Plumpick is sent on a mission to a village in the French countryside to disarm a bomb set by the retreating German army. Plumpick encounters a strange town occupied by the former residents of the local psychiatric hospital who escaped after the villagers deserted. Assuming roles like Bishop, Duke, barber, and circus ringmaster, they warmly accept the visitor as their King of Hearts. With his reconnaissance and bomb-defusing mission looming, Plumpick starts to prefer the acceptance of the insane locals over the insanity of the war raging outside. Since its debut, King of Hearts has become a worldwide cult favorite and stands out as one of de Broca’s most memorable films. Fifty years after its original release, this satirical look at the absurdities of war is presented in a gorgeous new 4K restoration for modern audiences to discover.

Name Role
Daniel Boulanger Writer
Maurice Bessy Writer
Michelle de Broca Producer
Alan Bates Cast Member
Genevieve Bujold Cast Member
Pierre Brasseur Cast Member
Jean-Claude Brialy Cast Member
Adolfo Celi Cast Member
Françoise Christophe Cast Member
Micheline Presle Cast Member
Michel Serrault Cast Member
Philippe de Broca Producer
Philippe de Broca Director
Country Italy, France
Original Language French
Subtitles English
Run time 102 min
Year Completed 1966