A political corruption story in the uncustomary setting of a poor Senegalese fishing village, Tableau Ferraille looks at changing values in an Africa plagued by ingrained social problems and the conflict between modernization and cultural traditions. Director Moussa Sene Absa's light, often humorous style, vibrant production values, and a soundtrack to delight African music lovers, combine in the story of politician Daam and his two wives-Gagnesiri, a dignified village woman who is supportive, loving, and sterile; and Kine, who is disloyal, ambitious, and productive-and the conflict that results when Kine interferes with her husband's politics for her own advancement. "Tableau Ferraille offers an intimate view of how modernization, at least as practiced in today's Africa, corrodes traditional communities and retards grassroots development....Moussa Sene Absa structures (one is tempted to say choreographs) his film to contrast two possible development paths for Africa: one towards self-reliance and social cohesion, the other towards self-interest and social chaos. Daam, a well-intentioned but vacillating European-trained politician, must choose between these two social paradigms clearly exemplified by his two wives." (California Newsreel)