Mon cher fellow Francophiles, vous will surely not want to miss the series of Pierre Etaix films now showing at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, especially if you enjoyed the “Five Funny French Films” series there last March.
Thanks to the aforementioned FFFF series, I discovered Monsieur Etaix, whom MFAH justly bills as le “French Comedy Master.” I got a taste of his clever work in Le Grand Amour, which the MFAH repeats on Saturday (May 18, 7:30 p.m.) to conclude the series.
Also on tap, The Suitor (today at 4 p.m.), Yoyo (tonight at 6 and Friday at 7:30 p.m.), As Long As You're Healthy (Friday at 6 p.m.) and Land of Milk and Honey (Saturday, 6 p.m.).
Every time I see an excellent French film, I long to see the real thing, just like all those who have ever been to France, especially Paris — at least, all those who understand they are guests in the most beautiful city in the world, and thus, do their best to adhere to Mother's advice to "try to be a good guest" and fit in as well as possible.
Specifically, in Paris, that would include:
- Speaking to your hosts, the French people, in their own language, if only to say "Merci beaucoup" for all the wonderful things that invariably happen to you in Paris; and
- Keeping your voice down to a dull roar, as Parisians tend to speak very quietly.
Following the admirable example of the French-friendly MFAH, I offer my own little bonus. If you are truly serious about seeing the real thing, France, in all its glory – go now. Right now. This is absolutement the best time to go. Tout de suite, before the rush begins in June, when the entire world heads for France, specifically Paris — particularly the Louvre, which will be wall-to-wall with Americans shouting cheerfully into their phones or at one another from a foot away.
(That also applies to the endless lines of people who'll be waiting to get into the major museums. Book in advance if at all possible.)
There are three stunning sights you must see right now in Paris – the crème de la creme. Here they are:
- The fabulous Chagall exhibition at the Musee du Luxembourg
- The sumptuous Vuillards and Bonnards in the gorgeous exhibition at the Musee d’Orsay, A Passion for France: The Marlene and Spencer Hays Collection
- Parc Monceau in full bloom, in all its springtime glory
Bon voyage, mon cher! A la prochaine fois!
Pierre Etaix stars in Le Grand Amour [http: /www.mfah.org/calendar/le-grand-amour/7387/].
