Topaze (1933)
Directed by Louis J. Gasnier

Film Review

The first film adaptation of Marcel Pagnol's highly successful stage play Topaze looks pretty feeble compared with Pagnol's subsequent 1936 and 1951 adaptations but it still manages to be an entertaining piece of satire, thanks mainly to Louis Jouvet's amusing interpretation of the title role.  Director Louis Gasnier fails to disguise the theatrical origins of the play and at times the film appears unbearably stagy and airless.  A stunning Edwige Feuillère brings more than a touch of glamour as the modern day Eve who gets Topaze to eat the forbidden fruits of capitalism but Pierre Larquey gives the most convincing performance, reprising the role of Tamise that he had taken in the original 1928 stage production of the play.  Pagnol was so disappointed by this film that he immediately set about making his own screen version, Topaze (1936), and did a far better job of it than Gasnier.

Film Synopsis

Albert Topaze is an idealistic schoolteacher who believes that it is better to be honest than rich.  His high ideals bring him into conflict with his headmaster, who dismisses him on the spot when he learns that he has shown an interest in his daughter.  Unemployed, Topaze willingly accepts an offer of work from a municipal councillor, unaware that he is being used to front some dubious business deals...