Cinema: The New Pictures, Sep. 5, 1955

(3 of 3)

— Father Charles is a forlorn priest who has become the laughingstock of his parish because of his remarkable resemblance to Cinemactor Fernandel as a priest in The Little World of Don Camilla (TIME, Jan. 19, 1953). Gloomily surrounded by packed suitcases, he is about to grow a beard and go to live among the Eskimos when the godfather arrives.

Eventually, the quints are reunited with Papa Saint-Forget at the big birthday party, and the film winds up in fine farcical style with an ending that is obvious yet surprising, tickling credulity while taxing it. The film has been subtly directed by Henri Verneuil, handsomely produced by Raoul Ploquin, admirably helped with a good supporting cast. But Fernandel is a Judas goat who leads every minute of Sheep to its zany consummation. With the slightest nuances of his elastic face—a leer, a bucktoothed grin, a cocker-spaniel look of sadness—he proves that he is one of the most versatile comedians alive.