Le Trou normand (1952) - film review

When the proprietor of the inn “Le Trou normand” dies, everyone in the small town of Courteville is curious to know who will inherit his estate.  To the chagrin of the dead man’s sister-in-law, the sole beneficiary is his nephew, the hapless Hyppolite Lemoine.  However, Hyppolite will inherit only if he can obtain a school certificate. Reluctantly, the gawky middle-aged man agrees to go back to school.  His scheming aunt isn’t ready to admit defeat so easily, and intends to use her beautiful daughter to thwart Hyppolite’s chances in the end-of-year exam…

The most notable thing about this low-key comedy is that it marks the film début of Brigitte Bardot.  Far from being the sex goddess which she became a few years later, Bardot is cast in the role of a stereotypical nice young woman of her era, although her screen presence is to be noted.  The film will appeal most to fans of the popular comic actor, Bourvil, whose instant rapport with children is more apparent here than in any other of his films, illustrating his enduring appeal for the younger generation.  Despite one or two good jokes, the film is slow and dated, with a fairly predictable ending.

© James Travers 2005

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