The read
It runs a compact 1h 22m.
Synopsis
The struggles of a small business owner come to light in this film by director André Cayatte. The proprietor of a fabric shop, M. Baudu faces stiff competition when a department store moves in across the street, the first of its kind in 1860s Paris. On top of the stresses associated with the rival retailer, Baudu’s niece and two nephews take up residence with him after recently being orphaned. The niece, Denise Baudu, sees the writing on the wall for her uncle’s business so she takes a job as a shop girl with his competitor and despite her success the decision does not register well with the family.
Ratings
IMDb6.7/10
9 audience votes
Key crew
- André CayatteDirector
- André CayatteWriter
- Michel DuranWriter
Cast
- Michel SimonBaudu
- Albert PréjeanOctave Mouret
- Blanchette BrunoyDenise Baudu
- Suzy PrimMadame Desforges
- Juliette FaberMarguerite Vadon, saleswoman
- Huguette VivierClara Prunaire, saleswoman
- Santa RelliGeneviève Baudu, Baudu's daughter
- Catherine FonteneyAurélie L'homme
- Jacqueline GauthierPauline Cugnot, saleswoman in the lingerie department
- René BlancardJules Colomban, Baudu's clerk
- Georges ChamaratInspector Jouve
- Pierre BertinGaujean, fabric supplier
