Barnabé is a convoluted yet nevertheless entertaining farce of the kind
that was very popular in France in the 1930s. With its mocking yet affectionate
view of the aristocracy, complicated romantic liaisons, and larger than life comic characters,
the story is pure P.G. Wodehouse, and just as funny.
However, what really brings the film to life is an extraordinary physical performance from Fernandel, France's leading
comic actor at the time.
As in many of his early films, Fernandel breaks into song at the most unlikely moments.
This includes his show-stopping rendition of the film's title song, Barnabé,
which went on to become a popular song in its own right. A magnificent blend of
slapstick and vaudeville, this is a film which has much to commend it, even if the plot
is a little overly complicated and rushed.
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Film Synopsis
Leaving his home in Provence, Barnabé, a simple-minded flute-player,
arrives in Paris and sets about trying to find himself a job. Thanks
to a cousin of his, he is engaged by Madame Petit-Durand to perform at a
party to mark her daughter Jackie 's twentieth birthday. Upon his arrival
at the impressive Petit-Durand residence, Barnabé is immediately mistaken
for the Count Paul de Marengo, the wealthy aristocrat to whom his employer
intends to marry her daughter. Little does Madame Petit-Durand know
that Jackie has already found her ideal soul mate, in André Dubreuil.
As it turns out, Barnabé has no interest in Jackie, since he has lost
his heart to his employer's pretty maid, Rose. Unfortunately for him,
Rose happens to be the daughter of the local policeman, a stern old sourpuss
who is about to become Barnabé's worst enemy. As for the real
Count de Marengo, he has already found the woman he intends to marry.
Despite the well-intended match-making schemes of Madame Petit-Durand everything
turns out well in the end, with not one but three happy couples plighting
their troth...
Script: Jean Bastia, Alin Monjardin, Jean Aurenche, Paul Nivoix (dialogue)
Cinematographer: Charles Bauer,
Maurice Pecqueux,
Gérard Perrin,
Marius Raichi
Music: Roger Dumas, Casimir Oberfeld
Cast:Fernandel (Barnabé),
Marguerite Moreno (La marquise de Marengo),
Andrex (André Dubreuil),
Lucien Callamand (Ricavel),
Germaine Charley (Madame Petit-Durand),
Charles Dechamps (Adhemar),
Paulette Dubost (Rose),
Josseline Gaël (Mado),
Claude May (Jackie Petit-Durand),
Noël Roquevert (Hilaire),
Roland Toutain (Paul de Marengo),
Jean Témerson (Firmin),
Arthur Devère,
Louis Florencie,
Max Rogerys,
Victor Vina
Country: France
Language: French
Support: Black and White
Runtime: 95 min
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