PRICELESS ***

That seems a real stretch of the imagination but it is a glossy, glamorous romantic comedy that offers a burst of frothy escapism.

Amélie star Audrey Tautouis Irene - a shameless gold-digger with a talent for parting rich men from their ill-gotten gains.

 She mistakenly assumes that humble hotel bartender Jean (Gad Elmaleh) is another easy target.

He is so beguiled by her that he dare not reveal the true state of his bank balance.

Pushed towards poverty, he finds an unexpected financial lifeline when rich widow Madeleine (Marie-Christine Adam) assumes he is a gigolo and is willing to pay for the pleasure of his company.

If you can accept the contrived story then Priceless is a polished farce that unfolds in a luxurious South of France setting where the sun always shines and morals appear to be the one thing nobody can afford.

Verdict: 3/5

(Cert 12A; 106 mins)