Merlusse is a 1935 French comedy drama film written and directed by Marcel Pagnol and starring Henri Poupon, André Pollack and Annie Toinon.[1] It was shot at the Lycée Thiers in Marseille, which Pagnol had himself once attended. It should not be confused with the Merlusse fairy, a depiction of Melusine in the Vosges (France).
| Merlusse | |
|---|---|
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| Directed by | Marcel Pagnol |
| Written by | Marcel Pagnol |
| Produced by | Marcel Pagnol |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Albert Assouad |
| Edited by | Suzanne de Troeye |
| Music by | Vincent Scotto |
Production company | Films Marcel Pagnol |
| Distributed by | Films Marcel Pagnol |
Release date | 6 December 1935 |
Running time | 72 minutes |
| Country | France |
| Language | French |
Synopsis edit
A tough teacher charged with looking after the students left behind at a boarding school during the Christmas holidays rises to the challenge and comes to better understand the boys in his care.
Cast edit
- Henri Poupon as Blanchard dit Merlusse
- André Pollack as Le proviseur
- Annie Toinon as Nathalie
- Thommeray as Le censeur
- Jean Castan as Galubert
- Le Petit Jacques as Villepontoux
- d'Armans as Philippard
- Fernand Bruno as Catusse
- Robert Aviérinos as Lupin
- Robert Chaux as Godard
- Dernard as Delacre
- John Dubrou as Pic
- Jean Inglesakis as Molinard
- Le-Van-Kim as Macaque
- Rellys as L'appariteur
- André Robert as Le surveillant général
- Armando Rossi as Le concierge
Reception edit
Writing for The Spectator in 1936, Graham Greene gave the film a good review, describing it simply as "a slightly sentimental tale". Greene praises Poupon in his portrayal of Merlusse, and expresses admiration for Pagnol's "simpleness, [and] directness".[2]
The film inspired Alexander Payne to make The Holdovers (2023), which has a similar plot.[3]
References edit
- ^ Michalczyk p.43
- ^ Greene, Graham (3 April 1936). "Merlusse/The Day of the Great Adventure/Desire". The Spectator. (reprinted in: John Russel, Taylor, ed. (1980). The Pleasure Dome. p. 62. ISBN 0192812866.)
- ^ Hammond, Pete (September 1, 2023). "The Holdovers Review". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
Bibliography edit
- Martin Garrett. Provence: A Cultural History. Andrews UK Limited, 2012.
- John J. Michalczyk. The French literary filmmakers. Art Alliance Press, 1980.
External links edit
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