My Best Pals, also known as Les Compères in French, is a 1983 comedy film directed by Jean-Marie Poiré. The film stars Gérard Depardieu, Pierre Richard, Michel Aumont, Roland Giraud, and Anny Duperey.
The story revolves around five friends who were inseparable during their younger years in the 1960s and 70s. They were all activists during the May 1968 protests, were hippies during the psychedelic era, and were avid rock music fans. They were also all in love with a girl named Bernadette, who left their lives to pursue a career as a rock star.
Fifteen years later, Bernadette returns to Paris and contacts her former friends. She announces that she will be leaving the country and asks them to look after her 16-year-old daughter for one weekend. The catch is that none of them know who the father is, and they must figure it out before Bernadette's flight leaves.
What follows is a hilarious adventure as the five friends try to identify the potential fathers of Bernadette's daughter while dealing with their own personal issues. The film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, love, and the changing times of French society.
My Best Pals was a critical and commercial success in France, grossing over $16 million at the box office. It was praised for its witty script, excellent performances, and nostalgic tone. The film was remade in Hollywood as Three Men and a Baby and spawned a sequel titled My Best Friends.