Fernand Raynaud, a popular and talented comic performer who shot to fame in France in
the 1950s, made his screen debut in this film, in a part that was written for him.
Whilst obviously a showcase for Raynaud's comic talents, the film is also a rather
good example of the comedy thriller, a genre which was particularly in vogue in France
at the time. The film also stars Noël Roquevert, an actor with a distinguished
career, consisting mainly of exemplary supporting roles. Almost a decade before
he became really famous, Louis de Funès appears in a substantial role, and one
which, unlike many of his walk-on parts at this time, allows him to show a particular
genius for comedy. Whilst the plot is pretty anodyne, there is some great dialogue
(from the pen of Michel Audiard), which serves the lead actors very well indeed, making
this a delightfully entertaining little film.
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Next Guy Lefranc film: Suivez-moi jeune homme (1958)
Film Synopsis
Fernand Jérôme is one of those grey little men no one ever notices,
the Mr Everyman kind who contents himself with his humdrum life and has no
greater ambition than to see his next paycheque land on his doormat.
A modest bank employee, Fernand is worse than Mr Average. Not only
is he dull, he is also clumsy and naive beyond belief. This is why
he is considered a joke by all who know him. But all this is about
to change - on that fateful day when Fernand goes from being Mr Nobody to
local hero. It happens when this hapless individual unwittingly thwarts
a bank robbery. Fernand's apparent bravery wins him the love and admiration
of the girl he has long had his eye on, Renée, the daughter of police
inspector Victor Merlerin. For the past three years, Inspector Merlerin
has been doggedly pursuing a notorious robber who is known only as Le Grand
J. Just as he is looking forward to a life of conjugal bliss with his
beloved Renée, Fernand is taken by surprise when his father suddenly
re-enters his life. This is nothing compared with the surprise that
awaits him when it is revealed that his father and Le Grand J are one in
the same man...
Script: Roger Pierre (story),
Frédéric Dard (dialogue), Michel Audiard (dialogue)
Cinematographer: Pierre Petit
Music: Marcel Delannoy
Cast: Fernand Raynaud (Fernand Jérôme),
Noël Roquevert (Joseph Jérôme),
Henri Crémieux (Le Professeur),
Annie Noël (Renée Merlerin),
Suzanne Dehelly (Gertrude, la grand-mère),
Madeleine Barbulée (Mme Merlerin),
Geneviève Morel (La marchande de mimosas),
Marcel Bozzuffi (La Volaille),
Paul Crauchet (Marcel),
Pierre Duncan (Jo),
Gaston Orbal (Le tailleur),
Jean-Marc Tennberg (La Postiche),
Louis de Funès (L'inspecteur Victor Eugène Merlerin),
Paul Barge (L'inspecteur Malabouis),
Charles Bayard (Le vieux marin au café),
Robert Blome (Un collègue de Fernand),
Charles Bouillaud (Le capitaine des pompiers),
Édouard Francomme (L'agent du car assommé),
Lucien Guervil (Le crémier),
René Lefevre-Bel (Le directeur de la banque)
Country: France
Language: French
Support: Black and White
Runtime: 90 min
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