Plácido

Plácido (1961) is a film written by the renowned Spanish scriptwriter Rafael Azcona and directed by Luis Garcia Berlanga - a master of cinema who used comedy as a means of in reality to sharply criticise Spanish society during the Franco years. Plácido is one of key Berlanga´s works along with El verdugo and Bienvenido Mister Marshall. 

Plácido is ironically the name of the film´s protagonist who is not able to enjoy any peace and quiet during the Christmas celebrations. The film takes place in a small Spanish town where a group of elderly ladies decide to celebrate Christmas with a “sit a poor person at your table” event. The celebrations also include a parade and Plácido, the owner of a three-wheeled motorcycle is expected to take part, but a problem arises that could stop him from doing this, as it´s also the same day that the first payment for his motorcycle is due and he needs to go to the bank.

The film was nominated for the Oscar award for Best Foreign Film in 1961.