Three quarters of a century without getting laid, or even reaching second base, have long had rumour mills buzzing about which team our adventurous reporter friend was batting for.

He hasn't exactly done himself any favours either, surrounding himself with all-male housemates Professor Calculus and Captain Haddock, lapdog Snowy and jailbait protégé Chang, yet, the closest he has come to polishing his rocket was going on a trip to the moon.

However, this shouldn't spoil a birthday bash and Institut Français today opens an exhibition commemorating the delicate Belgian's anniversary, complementing the ongoing show at the National Maritime Museum.

So head down to pay tribute at tonight's opening, cowlick optional. Or, as Ciné Lumière is hosted in the same building, pop by before going to the Alain Resnais retrospective which starts tomorrow.

The Tintin Adventure opens today 6:30-10pm
@ Institut Français, 17 Queensberry Pl, SW7
Free - booking advised 020 7073 1350
The Adventures of Tintin at Sea is on at NMM

MF