A Timeless Line from 'Les Tontons Flingueurs' Continues to Resonate 63 Years Later

In 1963, the iconic French comedy "Les Tontons flingueurs" made its debut, featuring memorable dialogues penned by Michel Audiard and a stellar cast. Among its many quotable lines, one has particularly stood the test of time, becoming part of everyday language for a generation.

Directed by Georges Lautner, "Les Tontons flingueurs" is a treasure trove of memorable quotes, with nearly twenty standout lines that fans can recall with ease. However, one specific moment has transcended the film itself, embedding itself in popular vernacular.

A Memorable Scene in the Kitchen

About an hour into the film, the character Maître Folace (played by Francis Blanche), a notary with a penchant for "grisbi" (money), unveils a large bottle labeled "The Three Kings," containing a mysterious liquid he describes as "bizarre". At this moment, the butler Jean (Robert Dalban) enters and quips, "Ah! You’ve brought out the vitriol?" This remark hints at the potent nature of the drink being served.

This "men's drink," which a Polish character humorously claims to consume for breakfast, takes a toll on the group. Despite their intoxication, they continue to down shots, leading Paul Volfoni (Jean Lefebvre) to reflect, "I find a taste of apple in it." Folace, gazing into the distance, responds:

Y en a.

This simple phrase, "Y en a," has since become a common response in casual conversation, often used to affirm someone's analysis of a dish or drink. It implies that while the taster has identified one flavor, there are indeed other notes to discover, much like the film's other iconic line, "brutal."

Following a romantic interlude between Claude Rich and Sabine Sinjen, the film returns to the kitchen, where the characters are now thoroughly intoxicated. The special whisky bottle is empty, and Folace launches into lengthy tirades while Paul Volfoni slumps over the table. Raoul (Bernard Blier) rushes to the restroom, and Fernand (Lino Ventura) declares that "y en a aussi" regarding beets. The next day, they all suffer through a severe hangover, cementing this scene as one of the most memorable in French cinema history.