The ComDads (1983)
A classic French comedy of errors where two unsuspecting men are manipulated into a wild search for a boy each believes is his son.
The ComDads - Movie Information
- Original Title: Les Compères
- Release Year: 1983
- Directed by: Francis Veber
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 32m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 23, 1983 (France), November 23, 1983 (United States), October 19, 1984 (Germany - 12), November 15, 1984 (Australia), September 10, 1992 (South Korea)
- Alternative Titles: Ungkarer i trøbbel (NO), Бащите (BG), Oi krevvatokynigoi (GR), Os Compadres (PT), De handlangers (BE), Haverrim Bli Mazal (IL), Otec a otec (CZ), Vi er din far (DK)
- Production Companies: DD Productions, EFVE, Fideline Films
- Production Countries: France
The ComDads - Plot
Unable to find her runaway son, a woman deceives two of her ex-lovers from her youth, a mild-mannered teacher and a tough journalist, that each is the real father in order to obtain their help.
The ComDads - Trailer
See the odd-couple comedy in action with the official trailer below.
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The ComDads - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Francis Veber
Main Cast
- Pierre Richard
- Gérard Depardieu
- Anny Duperey
- Michel Aumont
- Stéphane Bierry
- Philippe Khorsand
- Jean-Jacques Scheffer
- Roland Blanche
- Jacques Frantz
- Maurice Barrier
Writers
- Francis Veber
Producers
- Francis Veber
- Pierre Richard
- Gérard Depardieu
The ComDads - FAQs
What is The ComDads about?
The ComDads follows a desperate mother who tricks two of her former lovers — a gentle schoolteacher and a hard-edged journalist — into hunting for her runaway teenage son by convincing each man separately that he is the boy's real father. The resulting odd-couple chase is the heart of the comedy.
Who are the main actors in The ComDads?
Pierre Richard and Gérard Depardieu lead the cast as the mismatched duo François Pignon and Jean Lucas. Anny Duperey plays Christine, the woman who sets the whole scheme in motion, while Michel Aumont and Stéphane Bierry appear as her husband and son.
Did Pierre Richard and Gérard Depardieu work together before?
Yes! The ComDads was actually the second pairing of Pierre Richard and Gérard Depardieu under director Francis Veber. Their first collaboration was La Chèvre (1981), and the duo reunited once more for Les Fugitifs (1986), cementing one of French cinema's most beloved comic partnerships.
When was The ComDads released?
The ComDads opened in France and the United States on November 23, 1983. It later reached Germany and Australia in 1984, and South Korea in 1992, building a loyal international audience over the years.
Who directed and wrote The ComDads?
Francis Veber both wrote and directed The ComDads. Veber is the mastermind behind many beloved French comedies, and this film showcases his signature talent for pairing opposites and wringing maximum laughs from misunderstandings and mistaken identities.
Where can you stream or watch The ComDads?
You can watch The ComDads for free on Kanopy, or stream it through Kino Film Collection. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home — plenty of options to choose from.
Is The ComDads based on a true story?
No, The ComDads is not based on a true story. It's an original screenplay by Francis Veber, who built the film around his trademark formula of contrasting personalities forced into an unlikely partnership — pure comic invention rather than real-life inspiration.
What are some movies similar to The ComDads?
If you enjoyed The ComDads, you'll likely love La Chèvre (1981) and The Fugitives (1986), both featuring the same Richard-Depardieu duo. Beyond the Veber universe, Kolya (1996), Mr. Bean's Holiday (2007), and Sleepless in Seattle (1993) share that same warm, comedic spirit.
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