Alright, settle in, rewind that tape in your mind. Remember the sheer delight of the original La Cage aux Folles? That perfect blend of heart, humor, and groundbreaking charm that somehow found its way from France onto seemingly every discerning VHS shelf in the 80s? Well, when the sequel landed, La Cage aux Folles II (1980), some of us might have expected more domestic squabbles and nightclub glamour. Instead, director Édouard Molinaro (returning from the original triumph) throws our beloved Albin and Renato headfirst into… an international espionage caper? It's a curveball, alright, but one delivered with such continental flair and anchored by those irresistible lead performances that you just have to go along for the ride.
From Saint-Tropez with Love (and Microfilm)
The genius of the first film was its intimate focus on the relationship between Renato (Ugo Tognazzi), the pragmatic owner of the titular drag club, and Albin (Michel Serrault), his temperamental star performer and life partner. This time, the plot expands considerably. While trying to prove his desirability to Renato by dressing plainly and attempting to sit unnoticed on a park bench (a fool's errand for Albin, naturally), he inadvertently becomes the recipient of a dying spy's final message – hidden on microfilm, of course! Suddenly, our flamboyant Albin is Zaza, unwitting secret agent, pursued by ruthless spies led by the genuinely menacing Broca (Marcel Bozzuffi, who sharp-eyed viewers might remember from The French Connection). Renato, perpetually exasperated but fiercely loyal, is dragged along into a chaotic whirlwind of mistaken identities, frantic escapes, and clandestine meetings, stretching from the sunny Riviera to the Italian countryside.
The Comedy of Chaos
Let's be clear: this isn't Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. The espionage plot, cooked up by a writing team including the original's Francis Veber (a master craftsman of French farce, think The Dinner Game), Molinaro, and others, is purely a vehicle for comedic mayhem. And oh, what mayhem! Seeing Albin try to navigate the deadly serious world of spies while remaining utterly, fabulously himself is the core joy here. Remember that scene where Albin, disguised (poorly) as a woman to infiltrate a farm, has to deal with amorous farmhands and suspicious housewives? It's pure farce, relying heavily on Michel Serrault’s incredible physical comedy and expressive timing. Serrault, who nabbed a well-deserved César Award for the first film, is simply magnetic. He shifts between Albin's wounded sensitivity and Zaza's outrageous confidence with effortless grace, even when dangling from precarious ledges or attempting to milk a cow.
Tognazzi & Serrault: An Unbeatable Pair
While Serrault gets the flashier role, Ugo Tognazzi as Renato is the indispensable anchor. His deadpan reactions, his weary sighs, his constant struggle to keep Albin (and reality) in check provide the perfect counterpoint. Their chemistry remains the heart of the film, even amidst the absurdity. You genuinely believe in their long-suffering, deeply affectionate bond. Retro Fun Fact: Despite the first film's massive international success (pulling in over $20 million in the US alone – a staggering figure for a foreign language film in 1979!), getting the tone right for a sequel must have been tricky. The decision to lean into a genre parody was bold, moving away from the more intimate stage play roots of the original.
A Different Kind of Cage
Is it as profound or groundbreaking as the original? Perhaps not. The focus shifts from challenging social norms (though the core relationship remains central) to delivering laughs through high-stakes situations. The pacing is brisk, the locations are picturesque (shot beautifully across France and Italy), and Zaza’s costumes remain wonderfully extravagant. It feels bigger, perhaps a bit broader than its predecessor, aiming for cinematic adventure over chamber piece charm. Did you catch this one back in the day after loving the first? It might have felt slightly different, a bit more... action-packed, in its own uniquely French comedic way. The practical nature of the filmmaking – real locations, physical stunts (albeit comedic ones), the slight grain of the film stock – gives it that tangible 80s feel that CGI just can't replicate. Watching it on VHS, maybe with slightly fuzzy tracking, almost added to the clandestine, slightly chaotic vibe of the spy plot.
The film was still a success, proving the enduring appeal of these characters, though it didn't quite reach the phenomenal heights of the first. It even led to a third installment, La Cage aux Folles 3: The Wedding (1985), which... well, let's just say the law of diminishing returns often applies to comedy sequels.
***
VHS Heaven Rating: 7/10
Justification: While it swaps some of the original's poignant depth for broader spy-spoof antics, La Cage aux Folles II succeeds thanks to the sheer comedic brilliance and undeniable chemistry of Ugo Tognazzi and especially Michel Serrault. The espionage plot provides a fun framework for hilarious set pieces, and Édouard Molinaro keeps the pace lively. It might not be the groundbreaking classic its predecessor was, but it’s a genuinely funny, charmingly chaotic sequel that delivers delightful European flair and showcases two masters at work.
Final Take: A surprisingly action-packed (in a farcical way) return trip to Saint-Tropez that proves even international espionage is no match for the force of nature that is Zaza. Pure escapist fun, best served with a knowing smile.