I think it's easy to dismiss Parade as a lesser work. It was shot for Swedish TV in three days and, on the surface, seems no more than a circus and variety show on video. And granted, because of the speed of production, it's less precise and dirtier than an actual FILM by Tati, and the dub can be awkward, but it's real, legitimate Tati. The notion is that everyone in the room is a potential performer, whether among the set builders or even the public, and early on, Tati plays with the outlandish fashions of the 70s as interchangeable with those of clowns and acrobats. While the circus and Music Hall acts (including Tati's own prowess with physical comedy and mime) have a pleasant comedic vibe, it's behind the scenes and in the audience that you'll find Tati's trademark gags, here as usual begging your patience until that recognized face suddenly becomes a character and jumps on stage. Though the third act is noticeably weaker than the rest, I found a lot to love in Parade, the interactions with the audience particularly charming, amusing and out-right funny. Tati sure knows how to set up a surprise.

What a dire disappointment. If you'd like some reasons to hate the '70s that don't involve disco, this is a pretty good place to look. Strange how the theme music sounds just like the Monty Python march but with different tones.