Is Would-Be Gentleman Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1958)

📖 The Core Premise

Would-Be Gentleman returns to the screen in 1958, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama, Comedy genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "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."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Jean Meyer shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Would-Be Gentleman worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, Comedy films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1958, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Would-Be Gentleman is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 96 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.