Une vie de chien (1943)
Directed by Maurice Cammage

Film Synopsis

Gustave Bourdillon is the music teacher at a special school for young ladies run by Monsieur Calumet.  For some time, Gustave has had a crush on his employer's delightful wife Emilie, but, keen to hold onto his job, he keeps his amorous feelings to himself.  Fortune smiles on the unfortunate teacher, and his unrequited love looks as if it may become requited after all.  Emilie's husband dies, leaving the way clear for Gustave to step forward and seek her hand in matrimony.  Luckily, Fate is on his side.  If she is to continue running the school after her husband's death, Emilie must pass an examination, but she knows she has not a hope of passing it.

In a desperate situation, Emilie resorts to desperate measures.  She promises Gustave that she will marry him if he takes the exam in her place.  Of course, as he does so, he will have to disguise himself as a woman.  Ready to do anything for his darling beloved, Gustave agrees, but the ruse is far from being an unqualified success and our hero soon has the jury president on his back.  To make matters worse, Emile has suddenly become convinced that her per dog Médor, the most savage brute in existence, is the reincarnation of her husband.  Everything turns out right in the end, however.  Cupid may be subtle, but he's not a complete sadist...