Aux Quatre Coin-Coins Du Canard(1987)

Overview

Since 1915, the French satirical newspaper Le Canard Enchaîné has maintained and even strengthened its position in the press, without losing any of its wit or bite. This multi-part documentary recounts the history (53 min.) of the newspaper, when Maurice Maréchal decided to fight against the propaganda of the mainstream press, beholden to lobbies and the powerful. It features portraits (45 min.) of some of the newspaper's journalists and cartoonists. Its traditions (34 min.) are deeply rooted and faithfully upheld in the spirit of irreverence, insolence, and freedom in the face of all forms of power. The documentary also delves into the scandals (40 min.): if "Le Canard" was able to launch investigative journalism in France, it is because it has remained "free, independent, and clean," as its founder intended, thus retaining the trust of its readers.