Sacha Guitry and Michel Simon teamed up in 1951 to great effect in 'Poison'. Here they are again but in this we have not ONE Michel Simon but TWO. He plays twins, one of whom has money and one who has not. When the poorer of the two dies suddenly the other assumes his identity but for how long can he get away with it......?
Should you be able to endure the verbose, interminable opening duologue between the twins then your patience will be rewarded as this is decidedly one of Guitry's best films.
Simon excels as Alain/Albert as does Marguerite Pierry as the widow whose desire not to remain a widow for long is financially motivated. Guitry regular Pauline Carton whose career lasted from 1915 to 1971 turns up as an hotel patroness. There had to be a part of course for Guitry's wife and the delectable Lana Marconi does a lovely turn as a high class, talkative tart. Film buffs will of course spot Louis de Funes and Claude Gensac(one could not fail to notice Mlle Gensac!) as man and maidservant. They went on to make quite a few films together and although his appeal has always escaped me, she is infinitely more interesting. She achieved in her late eighties the unique distinction of being the oldest woman to be nominated for a Cesar as best supporting actress for her role in 'Lulu femme nue'.
There are those who will dismiss Guitry's work as 'filmed theatre'. This criticism was also levelled at Marcel Pagnol. Both were men of great creative talent whose enthusiasm for and contribution to their art cannot be overestimated. Many fine actors owed them both a debt of gratitude.
This is a very good film indeed and like all true comedies has an underlying sadness and a sympathy for the condition of being human.
Review of The Virtuous Scoundrel
