This Tatiesque French comedy stars popular comedian/filmmaker Pierre Etaix as Yo Yo, a 1920s tycoon who, though surrounded by many fabulous things and though living in a grand old castle, is still unhappy for pining over his long-lost love, a beautiful circus performer. One day he sees her again. Soon afterward the stock-market crash destroys his financial state and, impoverished, he joins the circus. The two have a son who performs in the circus as a young clown. Later, their son becomes a famous movie star and uses his fortune to buy his father's former castle. By this time, though, his father has decided to remain with the circus, and soon the young man comes to a similar conclusion. The first part of the film is done as a silent picture, the second half with sound and occasional French dialogue.
~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide