Circonstances atténuantes
1939 Comedy
Credits
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Summary
Monsieur Gaetan, a respectable judge, takes his tyrannical wife on holiday, so that he
can secretly pay a call on his mistress. Whilst visiting an inn, he is mistaken
for a master crook and ends up being accepted by a band of outlaws, led by the alluring
Marie Jeanne. Taking pity on his new friends, Gaetan helps them in their next criminal
exploits, using his knowledge of the legal system to save them from law. Unfortunately,
things soon start to go wrong...
Review
Michel Simon and Arletty each turn in an ebullient comic performance in this entertaining
farce, masterfully directed by Jean Boyer. As in their previous collaboration,
Fric-Frac (1939), both actors
are convincing in their roles and bring more than a touch of poignancy and wry humour
to their characters. Despite the absurdity of the plot, Circonstances atténuantes
makes an amusing diversion, with much of the comedy remaining surprisingly fresh
and effective. The film’s song, Comme de bien entendu, went on to become
a hugely popular number, and was allegedly sung by French soldiers at the start of World
War II with more than a touch of irony.
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