Sumptuously photographed and superbly acted, the film is a treat to be enjoyed this summer, or any time, for that matter. Romain Duris gives a mischievous, memorable performance as Molière, whose acting troupe is hopelessly in debt in its quest for recognition and fortune. In the midst of the crisis—and this is where a point in his life is imagined—Molière is approached by the well-heeled Jourdain, who wants to be taught to act so that he can impress a young lady. Never mind that Jourdain is married.

Accordingly, Molière moves into Jourdain’s lavish household, and most conveniently, there is his employer’s wife, the lovely Elmire, played by the lovely Laura Morante. The sexy glances turn into action, at first unbeknownst to Jourdain, preoccupied with his own mission. The expert actor and farceur Fabrice Luchini plays Jourdain, and his performance is a further highlight of the film. Jourdain is being fleeced by a scoundrel who sabotages his efforts at seduction and plots to have his son marry Jourdain’s daughter, who loves another.

With the cleverness of a Molière play, Molière manages to save the day, but at great sacrifice involving giving up his attraction to Elmire, as she does for him. But he heeds her advice and sallies forth to travel with his troupe in the countryside, which, as real history has it, results in his recognition and fame.