Le Gendarme Et Les Extra-terrestres -

: Cruchot famously wanders Saint-Tropez jabbing people in the backside with a screwdriver to see if they make a metallic "clang," often accidentally targeting high-ranking officials like his captain.

(released in 1979) is the fifth and penultimate film in the legendary French comedy series starring Louis de Funès . Directed by Jean Girault, this installment stands out as the only film in the franchise to venture into the science fiction genre, reflecting the late 1970s global obsession with UFOs following hits like Star Wars and Close Encounters of the Third Kind . Core Plot & Sci-Fi Elements Le gendarme et les extra-terrestres

: The real gendarmes eventually accidentally board the alien saucer, piloting it until it crashes into the Saint-Tropez harbor, where they are nonetheless hailed as heroes. The Gendarme and the Extra-Terrestrials (1979) - IMDb : Cruchot famously wanders Saint-Tropez jabbing people in

: To identify the impostors, the gendarmes discover two key traits: the aliens make a hollow metallic sound when struck and must consume motor oil or gasoline to function. Additionally, contact with water causes them to rust or disintegrate. Notable Slapstick Moments Core Plot & Sci-Fi Elements : The real

The film leans heavily into physical comedy, often centered on the confusion between the real gendarmes and their alien doppelgängers.

: In a classic de Funès sequence, Cruchot hides from both the aliens and his own squad by disguising himself as a nun in a local convent.

: The extraterrestrials are peaceful but possess advanced technology, including laser vision and the ability to shape-shift into perfect human doubles.