A row between neighbours that begins with a noisy gramophone (playing, yes, Ravel's Boléro) escalates into a war of cruel practical jokes culminating in suicide (perhaps) and romance (certainly).
André Luguet and Denise Grey are good fun as the warring neighbours, but the main reason for watching is Arletty, who is on devilish form as a society gal with a mischievous sense of humour. As often with her best characters, there's a wry detachment about her performance, her sly smile commenting on the absurdity of the behaviour that she provokes in those around her. Her costumes, designed by Robert Piguet, are eccentric, to say the least.
Jean Boyer's direction keeps up a good pace, but there's no disguising the stagebound nature of the screenplay, adapted from a successful theatre production in which Jane Aubert played Arletty's role. Filming stage comedies was a staple of French Occupation cinema. It had the merit of being cheap, quick and uncontroversial.
Watch out for Simone Signoret in a tiny role as Denise Grey's wardrobe assistant.
André Luguet and Denise Grey are good fun as the warring neighbours, but the main reason for watching is Arletty, who is on devilish form as a society gal with a mischievous sense of humour. As often with her best characters, there's a wry detachment about her performance, her sly smile commenting on the absurdity of the behaviour that she provokes in those around her. Her costumes, designed by Robert Piguet, are eccentric, to say the least.
Jean Boyer's direction keeps up a good pace, but there's no disguising the stagebound nature of the screenplay, adapted from a successful theatre production in which Jane Aubert played Arletty's role. Filming stage comedies was a staple of French Occupation cinema. It had the merit of being cheap, quick and uncontroversial.
Watch out for Simone Signoret in a tiny role as Denise Grey's wardrobe assistant.