Jean Boyer's writing and directorial career spanned over thirty years but sadly his films failed to draw much attention outside his native France. Here he has served up a delicious trifle containing the finest ingredients notably Arletty, Michel Simon, Gabrielle Dorziat, Marguerite Moreno and Pierre Larquey. Despite being an unholy bore an Egyptologist played by Simon has managed to accrue four wives the first of whom has died. Whilst he is away his biological son commits a serious indiscretion and his three surviving wives descend and start playing 'mother' with mixed results! Father returns home to realise how neglectful he has been. The secret of this piece is in the playing of it. Boyer maintains 'allegro vivace' throughout and we have a masterclass in comedic timing for those lucky enough to appreciate it.
Review of La chaleur du sein
