Stolen Kisses (1969)

Yes I do watch a remarkable number of non-English speaking films, but as I have written previously, I have no problem with subtitles.  This Francois Truffaut film is the third of four in his Antoine Doinel series which started with "The 400 Blows".  Rumour has it that the lead actor, Jean-Pierre Leaud, is Truffaut's alter ego and that the movies are semi-autobiographical.  If that is the case then the director has found his calling, since Leaud is absolutely useless in the various jobs he undertakes in this film -- soldier, concierge, detective, TV repairman.  The bulk of the action takes place during his feeble detective days and while it is all vaguely charming, it is also vaguely peculiar. The stolen kisses refer to his time with prostitutes, his boss's wife, and his off-again/on-again girlfriend who in turn is being mysteriously trailed by a would-be suitor.  The movie is a pleasant diversion but not deserving of its superior reputation.