TOY, THE

This social comedy concerns the son of a powerful businessman who, by virtue of his father's control over his corporate employees, is able to “buy” a human as a toy. The toy, a reporter named Francois Perrin, is none other than “Tall Blond Man” Pierre Richard, hilariously caught between playing along with the boy's whim or forfeiting his job for the father's newspaper. Resembling a latter-day Harpo Marx, Richard is a favorite of American audiences. Richard also has directed; his features include “The Absent-Minded Man” (1970) and “Alfred's Misfortunes” (1972). Michel Bouquet (the father) and Fabrice Greco (the son) turn in excellent performances. “A superb piece of entertainment.” – Jim Nirider, Seattle Times