The Wing or the Thigh?

The film centers on Charles Duchemin, who publishes a respected restaurant guide and aims to preserve classic French cuisine against the encroaching fast food industry led by the character Tricatel. Duchemin’s challenges intensify when he loses his sense of taste and learns his son wants to abandon the family legacy to become a circus clown. This conflict drives much of the film’s humor and heart.

Louis de Funès, a staple of French comedy, delivers a memorable performance that balances sharp wit with physical comedy. Coluche, another prominent French comedian, plays Duchemin’s son, adding generational contrast to the story. Claude Zidi’s direction emphasizes comedic timing and situational humor while also commenting on cultural shifts in dining.

The production involved Les Films Christian Fechner and TOBIS Film, companies known for popular French cinema of the era. The film’s release coincided with growing concerns about fast food’s impact on traditional eating habits, making its satirical take resonate with audiences.

Collectors may find interest in various physical editions of the film, which has been distributed in multiple formats over the years. The movie’s blend of comedy and culinary critique gives it a distinct place in French film history, appealing to fans of classic European comedy and food-related cinema.

The Wing or the Thigh? remains a notable example of 1970s French comedy, reflecting social changes through humor and featuring performances from two of France’s most beloved comedic actors.