Would-Be Gentleman Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for Would-Be Gentleman.
Would-Be Gentleman Ending Explained: Jourdain is a cloth merchant who wants to become a gentleman, learning dance, music, fencing and philosophy. Directed by the director, this 1958 drama film stars Jean Meyer (Covielle, Cléonte's valet), alongside Louis Seigner as Monsieur Jourdain, bourgeois, Robert Manuel as the music master, Georges Chamarat as the master of philosophy. With a 8.5/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of Would-Be Gentleman?
M. Jourdain is a cloth merchant who wants to become a gentleman, learning dance, music, fencing and philosophy. Mme Jourdain is worried about Dorante's expenses and prefers her daughter Lucile to marry Cléonte. The two young men's servants use subterfuge to get M. Jourdain to accept Cléonte as son-in-law. They fake the arrival of the Grand Turk's son in Paris, and, in an Oriental ballet, confer upon M. Jourdain the title of Mammamouchi, his daughter marrying the son of the Grand Turk, who is none other than Cléonte in disguise.
the director's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Jean Meyer (Covielle, Cléonte's valet)'s journey. Mme Jourdain is worried about Dorante's expenses and prefers her daughter Lucile to marry Cléonte.
How Does Jean Meyer (Covielle, Cléonte's valet)'s Story End?
- Jean Meyer: Jean Meyer's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with the director delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 36m runtime.
- Louis Seigner (Monsieur Jourdain, bourgeois): Louis Seigner's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Robert Manuel (the music master): Robert Manuel's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Would-Be Gentleman Mean?
Would-Be Gentleman concludes with the director reinforcing the drama themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Jean Meyer leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.