Georges Bécot

Débutants

A cop investigates whether the man convicted of murdering his daughter is really guilty.

The producers of this French film took approximately 100 people, put them on a soundstage and had them improvise this film based on the premise that they are on a spaceship escaping from the dictators of earth and only have a few days to live. Improvisation is a dangerous art-form; unprepared amateurs invariably come up with gross caricatures when challenged to improvise. The actors' choices in this film include an allegorical pageant of the life of Jesus, a marriage, an orgy, and some genuinely affectionate moments. Nonetheless, as an experimental effort in large-group improvisation, the film is instructive. - Clarke Fountain, Rovi

Les Maîtres du pain

Corto Maltese: The Celts

A young foreigner replaces sick worker in a factory. The mystery that surrounds him, along with his charm and nonchalance, soon make him an object of desire and hatred. The life of the factory and, in particular, that of one of its workers, are changed for good by this unusual young man.

In 1930s Paris, Madeleine, a pretty, young, penniless and talentless actress, is accused of murdering a famous producer. Helped by her best friend Pauline, a young unemployed lawyer, she is acquitted on the grounds of self-defense. A new life of fame and success begins, until the truth comes out.