La Grande Vadrouille
Don't Look Now... We're Being Shot At! - Characters & Cast
Character Analysis
Augustin Bouvet
Bourvil
Motivation
Initially motivated by a basic sense of duty and empathy, Augustin's primary motivation becomes loyalty to the people he has sworn to help and a growing sense of patriotic responsibility, spurred on by his burgeoning affection for Juliette.
Character Arc
Augustin begins as a simple, good-natured house painter who wants no trouble. He is kind and unassuming. Through his forced partnership with Stanislas and his commitment to helping the British airmen, he discovers a quiet courage and resourcefulness he never knew he had, becoming a dependable and brave member of the group.
Stanislas Lefort
Louis de Funès
Motivation
His initial motivation is pure self-preservation. He helps the airmen only because he fears the consequences of not doing so. This evolves into a desire to protect his newfound companions and a grudging acceptance of his patriotic duty.
Character Arc
Stanislas starts as a comically arrogant, self-important, and cowardly conductor, concerned only with his own comfort and career. Dragged into the escape against his will, the perilous journey humbles him. He slowly sheds his selfishness, forms an unlikely bond with Augustin, and ultimately embraces his role in the resistance, even taking command in critical moments.
Sir Reginald Brook
Terry-Thomas
Motivation
As a British officer, his motivation is clear and unwavering: to evade capture, reunite his crew, and return to Allied territory to continue fighting the war. He is driven by duty and patriotism.
Character Arc
Sir Reginald, known as "Big Moustache," remains a steadfast and unflappable leader throughout the film. His arc is less about personal change and more about adapting his military command style to the chaotic civilian world of the French Resistance. He maintains his British stiff upper lip and sense of humor even in the most absurd situations, providing a comic contrast to his French helpers.
Juliette
Marie Dubois
Motivation
Juliette is motivated by her strong patriotic convictions and her desire to help the Allied cause. She risks her own safety without hesitation to aid the escaping airmen and their French companions.
Character Arc
Juliette is a brave and resourceful young woman from the very beginning. Working as a puppeteer, she is already involved with the Resistance. Her arc involves her growing affection for the British airman Peter Cunningham and her role as a steady, capable guide for the bumbling heroes, representing the steadfast and courageous spirit of the French people.