Monsieur Hulot

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Monsieur Hulot is a character created and played by French comic Jacques Tati for a series of films in the 1950s and '60s, namely Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot (1953), Mon Oncle (1959), Playtime (1967) and Trafic (1971). The character of Hulot (although played by another actor) also appears briefly in François Truffaut's Bed & Board (1970). An animated version of Monsieur Hulot will appear in the animated film The Illusionist due to be released in 2009. It was based on an unproduced script by Jacques Tati and directed by Sylvain Chomet (previously known for Les Triplettes de Belleville).

He is recognized by his trenchcoat, pipe and hat, and his distinctive lurching walk. His escapades usually involved clashes with technology and the problems of living in an increasingly impersonal and gadgetized world.

Rowan Atkinson has stated him as an influence for his character Mr. Bean.

The Kids in the Hall parodied his distinctive walk in Mr. Heavy Foot sketches featuring Dave Foley.