Au soleil de Marseille (1938)
Directed by Pierre-Jean Ducis

Film Review

Au soleil de Marseille exemplifies the cheery but pretty inept musical comedy that was all the rage in France in the 1930s.  Most films of this ilk originated from popular stage productions, and this is no exception.  Based on an operetta by Marc-Cab, Audiffred and Charles Tutelier, it appears to come from the same stable as other similar Marseille-based musical comedies such as Un de la Canebière (1937) and Les Gangsters du chateau d'If (1939), only less well scripted and far less well directed.  Au soleil de Marseille's main letdowns are a plot that is too ridiculous to take seriously and Pierre-Jean Ducis's inability to direct a single scene without giving the impression he is fast asleep on the job.

Some lively performances from a colourful principal cast prevent this from being as painfully dull as other Ducis fiascos.  Henry Garat is on fine form in the lead role, a dependable vocalist who has come to the aid of many a mediocre French musical of this era.  Garat may have been a reasonably capable singer, but as an actor and comedian his talents were somewhat lacking, so his more humorous co-star Gorlett (a Gallic version of Charlie Chaplin, complete with toothbrush moustache and Charlot-like mannerisms) has an easy time stealing the film from him.  Charpin, the only person on screen with any discernible acting ability, is wasted on this lowbrow fare and clearly looks as if he wishes he was doing something else.  A few inspired scenes - such as the humorous mishap at the Belgian customs - just about redeem an otherwise totally forgettable comedy.

Film Synopsis

Cassis is the owner of a soap factory in Marseille.  He has good reason to be wary of his staff because most of them would rather be indulging in their favourite sport, football, than manning his dreary production lines.  It so happens that Henri, one of Cassis's most faithful employees, is the captain of a football team that is due to play an important match in Brussels.  So, when the boss is away visiting his mistress - who happens also to be in the Belgian capital - Henri and his chums slip away from Marseille and take the train to Brussels, accompanied by Cassis's daughter Mimi, who has lost her heart to Henri.  Cassis is none too happy when he discovers he has been let down by both his employees and his daughter, but what can he do?  Henri is quick to turn the situation to his advantage..