A pompous grocer’s assistant in Marseille annoys a visiting film crew so much that they prank him with a phony acting contract; believing it to be real, the “schpountz” heads to Paris for his new career.
Acting
Fernandel's face does three acts of comedy without dialogue.
Writing
Pagnol's razor-sharp satire of Hollywood arrogance still stings.
Production
Marseille locations burst with authentic working-class soul.
Director
Marcel Pagnol
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Fernandel became France's biggest star through Pagnol's films; this cemented his 'lovable fool' persona that dominated screens for decades.
FR
