Tales from the Zoo
Le Jardin des plantes
Synopsis
In Paris, near the end of World War II, crotchety professor Fernand Bonnard maintains a zoo and continues his research. He's a coward, as is his debonair son, Armand, who has one daughter, Philippine. On her eighth birthday, Armand picks her up from her repressive boarding school and takes her to Fernand's to celebrate. Father and son quarrel, and Armand leaves, only to be arrested and shot for violating curfew. In grief, the curmudgeonly Fernand does not tell Philippine, but invents a life for Armand as a captain of the Resistance. Fernand takes her from school to live with him and his sensible wife. Along the way, Philippine finds out the truth and Fernand discovers courage.
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
August 30, 1996
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Philippe de Broca
- Original Title
- Le Jardin des plantes
- Country of Origin
- Germany, France
- Spoken Languages
- French
- Runtime
- 1h 33m
- Production Studios
- Vereinigte Film Partners, TF1 Films Production, Son et Lumière, Mafilm, Maecenas Film- und Fernseh GmbH, CNC, Canal+
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Philippe de Broca
Department Leadership Roster
Philippe de Broca
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Tales from the Zoo.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tales from the Zoo
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Tales from the Zoo about?
In Paris, near the end of World War II, crotchety professor Fernand Bonnard maintains a zoo and continues his research. He's a coward, as is his debonair son, Armand, who has one daughter, Philippine. On her eighth birthday, Armand picks her up from her repressive boarding school and takes her to Fernand's to celebrate. Father and son quarrel, and Armand leaves, only to be arrested and shot for violating curfew. In grief, the curmudgeonly Fernand does not tell Philippine, but invents a life for Armand as a captain of the Resistance. Fernand takes her from school to live with him and his sensible wife. Along the way, Philippine finds out the truth and Fernand discovers courage.
Who directed Tales from the Zoo?
Tales from the Zoo was directed by Philippe de Broca.
Who stars in Tales from the Zoo?
The principal cast of Tales from the Zoo includes Claude Rich, Salomé Stévenin, Rose Thiéry, Samuel Labarthe.
When was Tales from the Zoo released and how long is it?
Tales from the Zoo was released in 1994 with a total runtime of 1h 33m.