Maurice Vallier, nicknamed "Ma Pomme"(which means "myself" in slang), is a cheerful man, well aware that money does not make happiness and who, of all things, prices freedom. Which is why he has become a tramp and he has never regretted his choice of life. Things go smoothly until the day he inherits a huge amount of money. He first refuses it but changes his mind when he realizes that thanks to the inheritance he can help others. Even more enticing is the fact that he must share the big money with a charming air hostess. However once he deems he has done enough good he gives up the money left and resumes his old lifestyle singing along "Ma pomme c'est moi, j'suis plus heureux qu'un roi..."
Acting
Chevalier's signature wink-and-grin carrying entire scenes.
Score
The 'Ma Pomme' earworm you'll hum for days.
Director
Marc-Gilbert Sauvajon
Maurice Chevalier
Maurice Vallier aka 'Ma Pomme'
Sophie Desmarets
Caroline Peuchat
Odette Barencey
Concierge
Raymond Bussières
Fricotard
Jacques Baumer
Maître Dubuisson
Dominique Davray
Jacques Dynam
Jacques Turpin
Jane Helly
Jean Hébey
Boss of the restaurant
François Joux
Worried husband at the airport
Pierre Juvenet
President
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Chevalier was 61 here, fresh off accusations of collaborating with Nazis, using this role to rehabilitate his 'lovable Frenchman' image.
The 'Ma Pomme' song became Chevalier's signature closer until his death; this film essentially weaponized his own catchphrase into autobiography.
FR
