The read
It runs a compact 1h 30m.
Synopsis
In the elevator of two large Parisian buildings, a telegraph operator discovers the body of an elderly woman, Madame Mathieu, the owner of both buildings. Boucheron, the local superintendent, is dispatched to investigate, along with his rival, Inspector Lambert of the "Sûreté". To solve the enigma, they scour staircases and corridors, visiting every floor of both buildings, courtyard and facade. Their gruff rivalry allows them to complement each other in discovering who committed the crime among a gallery of characters, humble or rich, who all have something to be ashamed of... A rare, fast-paced, picturesque comedy set against the backdrop of a police mystery.
Ratings
IMDb6.6/10
7 audience votes
Key crew
- Yves MirandeDirector
- Georges LacombeDirector
- Yves MirandeWriter
- André GailhardOriginal Music Composer
Cast
- Lucien BarouxCommissioner Boucheron, district police officer
- Jacques BaumerInspector Lambert of the Sûreté
- Jules BerryAlfredo d'Avila, dancer of these ladies
- Gaby MorlayGaby Valrose, minister's lover
- Elvira PopescuMrs. Rameau, wife of an industrialist and mistress of Alfredo
- Michel SimonPicking, knife-throwing artist
- André LefaurMr. Corbeau, kleptomaniac
- Gaby SylviaMadeleine Martin, in love with André
- AndrexAndré Laurent, bank cashier, lover of Madeleine
- Simone BerriauLydia, singer at “Perroquet”, mistress of the President
- Erich von StroheimEric, German naturalized French
- Betty StockfeldEnglish, Albert's companion, Eric's mistress