User Reviews

"Blonde Smoke" is supposed to be a comic take on a "noir" detective movie. It's not easy to think of an argument justifying the existence of this movie. It doesn't do much : it starts, it continues, it ends, but to what purpose ? There are a few good wisecracks, a few good jokes ; and it is possible that toddlers of a very nervous and timid disposition might experience a slight thrill somewhere.

Oh yes, and there is an engaging heroine - a bold and fearless creature who, presumably, would go her own merry way even when threatened with a flame thrower. So let's give the movie a few stars, it's always nice to see a competent heroine. But that's about it. There are sad failures with regard to writing, directing and acting, resulting in a movie which is about as riveting as taking a walk on a tiny litter-strewn beach while it drizzles.

Even the grand set piece disappoints. At one point in the movie the packet of cigarettes which is sought after by gangsters and spies alike, ends up in a circus, because.. because... I realize I can't help you there, as there doesn't seem to be much of a "because". But anyway, the packet of cigarettes ends up in a circus, resulting in a series of supposedly merry scrapes where dozens of people run to and fro and open a magician's boxes while jolly children applaud. I can honestly state that I have laughed better and harder while watching political debates on fiscal matters.

Sophie Desmaret is the true star of the movie;Darry Cowl only appears halfway through as Gachit (=waste)and Paul Guers (who in spite of a long career remained unsung in his country)is featured at the very beginning of the film ,only to reappear ten minutes before the denouement.

Sophie Desmarets is a renowned detective but she retired;when a man entrusts her a pack of cigarettes (which justifies the title of the movie:light smoke)which may be very important,she resumes her investigations;that means we deal with a spoof on spy thrillers ,not with Miss Marple's whodunit.

It's a heavy-handed comedy: the appearance of David's false (or true) friends is a good thing;Desmaret's act in the circus begins quite well and the tone of her voice,enthusiastic at first,then shaky,wins over the audience.Unfortunately it becomes repetitive in the long run.Not only the female detective has a not-so-useful assistant in tow,but she 's also got aunt Esther,a pain in the neck.

The scene at Gachit's school is a waste of breath:it's unfunny from start to finish.The "political " side is brainless.

An unexpected end ,à la "Maltese falcon" ,relatively speaking of course.