Decades ago I was given a copy of a recording of two dialogues that had been prepared to serve as part of a textbook package, Langue et littérature: A Second Course in French. Listening Speaking Reading Writing, apparently in its first edition in 1967, by Thomas H. Brown, long of Brigham Young University, about whom you can read this obituary.
I am not sure who wrote the dialogues; it may have been Professor Brown himself. Nor do I know who acted in them. I am very fond of them, however, because: they are very funny, with lots of sly digs at aspects of French culture; they are very well acted; and they contain heaps of useful French expressions. They came with no transcription, so I made transcriptions of my own, which I then used, along with the recording, in various advanced French courses I taught.
A dialogue purporting to be the oral examination of a French student being tested on André Gide’s la Symphonie pastorale. Good and easy practice of French question-forms. Also, a funny satire highlighting strengths and weaknesses of the French educational system.
A humorous dialogue that skewers the French haute-bourgeoisie and also makes fun of a certain kind of French doctor.
Check out this exciting web series, featuring the Professor.
Why art thou sad, my Beppo?"
Mad Beppo (aka the Professor) is neither sad nor mad. He delights in French, poetry, film, and Baroque music. More about Mad Beppo…