A bank clerk is bored to death with his nine-to-five work under his boss ' watchful eye. His missus is a pain in the neck and his in-laws are not better.
Acting
François Périer's desperate everyman energy is painfully perfect
Writing
Rube Goldberg scheme that keeps topping itself
Director
Guy Lefranc
François Périer
Emmanuel Bonnavent, deputy head of the bank
Marthe Mercadier
Claire Bonnavent, Emmanuel's wife
Jean Brochard
Mr. Lesurpied, bank employee
Noël Roquevert
Mr. Cauchard, Claire's father
Jane Marken
Mrs. Cauchard, Claire's mother
Pierre Mondy
Henri, Emmanuel's friend
Françoise Spira
Red-haired lady
Louis de Funès
Mr. Rachoux, bank director
Léonce Corne
Doctor
Judith Magre
Carmen's friend
Paul Faivre
Mr. Charnudet, bank teller
Richard Francœur
Mr. Lambercheton, wealthy industrialist, friend of Mr. Cauchard
Charles Bayard
Boss of the 'sailor' aka 'Le Bosco' (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This 1953 French comedy captures postwar office culture — the rigid hierarchy and stifling respectability that made employees dream of escape.
François Périer specialized in these trapped ordinary men; his performance here influenced later French comic actors like Jean-Pierre Cassel.
FR
