Tolérance (1989): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1989, Tolérance is a notable film directed by Pierre-Henry Salfati, running about 108 minutes.

What it’s about. In the 18th century, English aristocrats had, among their better known strange customs, one really strange one: they kept "ornamental hermits" for their gardens. These were actual people who were willing to live in squalid conditions and serve as something like museum exhibits for the amusement of the wealthy. This movie takes that notion and transfers it to 18th century France. In the story, an English hermit Rupert Everett) has somehow been brought to France in the period following the French Revolution, and prior to the Napoleonic Era, a period (1795-1799) known as "The Directory." He eventually comes down out of his tree into a chateau owned by an Italian nobleman (Ugo Tognazzi) and his wife. Before long, the hermit has washed and bathed and become quite presentable, even charming. However, his appearance in their midst is like a sentence of death for many of those who associate with him.

Who’s in it. Tolérance stars Ugo Tognazzi as Marmant, Rupert Everett as Assuerus, aka Horace Walop, Anne Brochet as Tolerance and Marc de Jonge as Cabanes, among others.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Tolérance page.