The Madman of Lab Four Poster

The Madman of Lab Four 1967

★ 5.918 votes90 min📅 1967-11-29

Jacques Besnard's *The Madman of Lab Four* (1967) is a quirky, talkative comedy set against a backdrop of mischief and invention. The film follows Fou (Jean Lefebvre), a scatterbrained but brilliant scientist who creates a gas capable of inducing instant love.

Director: Jacques Besnard

Cast

Jean Lefebvre
Jean Lefebvre
Eugène Ballanchon, scientific researcher, single
Maria Latour
Maria Latour
Régine, Mr. Beauchard's spy
Bernard Blier
Bernard Blier
Mr. Beauchard, executive secretary linked to a gang
Michel Serrault
Michel Serrault
Mr. Granger, director of the scientific laboratory
Pierre Tornade
Pierre Tornade
DST inspector
Pierre Brasseur
Pierre Brasseur
Father Ballanchon
Margo Lion
Margo Lion
Mrs. Ballanchon, Eugène's mother
Robert Dalban
Robert Dalban
Merchant, spy in the laboratory
Mario David
Mario David
Mario
Henri Virlogeux
Henri Virlogeux
Scholar

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Madman of Lab Four (1967) about?

The film centers on Fou, a well-meaning but absent-minded inventor who creates a gas that forces people into instant infatuation. His creation sparks a chaotic pursuit as bosses, law enforcement, and spies all try to claim the formula for their own schemes.

Who directed The Madman of Lab Four?

Jacques Besnard directed this 1967 French comedy, blending madcap humor with a touch of espionage-style intrigue.

Who stars in The Madman of Lab Four?

The film features Jean Lefebvre as the lead inventor, supported by Bernard Blier, Michel Serrault, Pierre Tornade, and the legendary Pierre Brasseur.

Is The Madman of Lab Four (1967) worth watching?

If you enjoy offbeat, talkative comedies with a retro French flair, *The Madman of Lab Four* might amuse you—though its uneven pacing and thin plot won't win over everyone. It's a charming oddity rather than a classic.

How long is The Madman of Lab Four?

The runtime for *The Madman of Lab Four* is 90 minutes.

About The Madman of Lab Four (1967) — A French Comedy of Love, Chaos, and Gas

Jacques Besnard's *The Madman of Lab Four* (1967) is a quirky, talkative comedy set against a backdrop of mischief and invention. The film follows Fou (Jean Lefebvre), a scatterbrained but brilliant scientist who creates a gas capable of inducing instant love. His chaotic discovery attracts the wrong kind of attention—his boss, the police, and a cadre of spies all want to steal the formula for their own gains. Along the way, a menacing American crime figure lurks in the shadows, adding an edge of intrigue to the zany proceedings. The uneven pacing and thin plot struggle to keep up with the frenetic energy, but Lefebvre's charismatic performance and the film's playful tone make it a cult curiosity for fans of offbeat French comedies.

With its mix of farce and espionage tropes, *The Madman of Lab Four* rides the line between absurdity and charm, offering a snapshot of 1960s comedic experimentation. Bernard Blier, Michel Serrault, and Pierre Brasseur round out the cast, each bringing their own brand of comedic flair to the madcap chase for love's most potent formula.