Molière pour rire et pour pleurer (1973)

Synopsis

Molière pour rire et pour pleurer recounts the life of Jean‑Baptiste Poquelin, from his childhood in an artisan family to his rise as Molière, a central figure of French theatre. The series shows his difficult decision to abandon the family trade and join Madeleine Béjart to found L’Illustre Théâtre, marked by debts and repeated setbacks. While touring the provinces, he shapes his style and discovers the power of comedy. Back in Paris, he makes a name for himself with Les Précieuses ridicules, but his sharp satires provoke fierce opposition, especially during the Tartuffe scandal. Supported by Louis XIV, he continues despite attacks, literary rivalries, and tensions within his troupe, particularly with Armande Béjart. The miniseries also follows his growing exhaustion, his determination to perform at any cost, and his final breath after Le Malade imaginaire, the ultimate symbol of an artist who lived — and died — for the stage.

Series Information

Created By

Marcel Camus

First Aired

1973

Last Aired

1973

Seasons

1

Episodes

6

Episode Length

55 min

Genre

Comedy, Drama, Documentary, Family

Network

ORTF Télévision, ORTF Télévision 2

Status

Ended

Rating

9.5 / 10 (2 votes)

Top Cast

Jean-Pierre Darras

Molière

Caroline Cellier

Amande

Marianne Comtell

Madeleine Béjart

Roger Miremont

Molière jeune

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