Merlusse

<i>Merlusse</i>

Merlusse

1935 film

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).

Quick Facts Merlusse, Directed by ...

Synopsis

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

  • 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

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

  1. [1]
    Michalczyk p.43
  2. [2]
    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.)
  3. [3]
    Hammond, Pete (September 1, 2023). "The Holdovers Review". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 5, 2023.

Bibliography

  • Martin Garrett. Provence: A Cultural History. Andrews UK Limited, 2012.
  • John J. Michalczyk. The French literary filmmakers. Art Alliance Press, 1980.


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