A SELF-MADE HERO

After World War II, it became very convenient indeed for citizens of France to claim they had taken part in the active underground resistance. Still is. The fact that most French collaborated or at least placidly co-existed with the Axis invaders is an unpleasant historical fact on which A SELF-MADE HERO bases its deliciously ironic plot. In late 1944 Albert, an unremarkable youth from the provinces, sees fit to pass himself off as a cunning Maquis freedom-fighter, who spent the Occupation risking his life against the terrible Nazis. Albert lies well – or perhaps so many others are lying that one can hardly tell the difference anymore. But Albert's boasts elevate him in the esteem of both his new girlfriends and political authorities in league with Allied forces. Soon Albert has the rank and privileges accorded to an honored Resistance hero: he is posted to oversee German territory now held by the victorious French. Can he make the scam last? And if so how far will Albert take it? In French with English subtitles.-Charles Cassady