Parade

Jacques Tati (the Mr. Hulot series) wrote, directed, and stars in this visually interesting performance film of an indoor circus. Wonderful jugglers, funny mime skits (by Tati), and acrobatics galore keep the action moving at a fairly swift pace. However, American audiences will note a major problem right off the bat: the French dialogue is not translated. People overheard in the stands make no sense; Tati who ususally introduces each skit with a verbal prologue makes no sense; so, ultimately, for non-French speaking audiences, Parade makes no sense. There are some wonderful moments in the film--a hilarious burro-riding contest, among others--but I can't imagine too many people ignoring the language barrier, and I cannot begin to guess why Films, Inc. thought they could sell an unsubtitled foreign film. Not recommended. (R. Pitman)