Le roman d'un tricheur (1936)

User Rating:

7.7/10   

Director:

Sacha Guitry

Writer:

Sacha Guitry (written by)

Release Date:

26 September 1938 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

Life story of a charming scoundrel, with little dialogue other than the star/director's witty narration...

Plot Keywords:

Dishonesty | Poisonous Mushroom | Casino | Title Appears In Writing | Social Criticism

Cast

Sacha Guitry	...	The Cheat (mature)
Marguerite Moreno	...	The Countess
Jacqueline Delubac	...	Henriette
Roger Duchesne	...	Serge Abramovich
Rosine Deréan	...	The Jewel Thief
Elmire Vautier	...	The Countess (younger)
Serge Grave	...	The Cheat, as a boy
Pauline Carton	...	Madame Morlot
Fréhel	...	Redhead (singer)
Pierre Labry	...	Cousin Morlot
Pierre Assy	...	The Cheat (young man)
Henri Pfeifer	...	Monsieur Charbonnier
Gaston Dupray	...	Waiter

Also Known As:

Confessions of a Cheat (International: English title)
The Cheat (UK)
The Story of a Cheat (USA)

Runtime:

France:81 min

Country:

France

Language:

French

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.20 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Company:

Cinéas

Soundtrack:

Et v'là pourquoi

The story of a cheat.

This is a rather interesting and originally told movie. It focuses on the life of a charming scoundrel. It doesn't sound that interesting or original but its originality also really is more in the way the movie is being told. It's shot with actual little dialog on it and instead features a witty voice-over (by director/writer/main actor Sacha Guitry himself), who tells the story in an amusing way with a pleasant pace.

The movie not just begins with an introduction of the main characters but also that of some of the crew members who were involved with this movie. This already sorts of sets the tone for the rest of the movie. It's a very original and unique little movie, that due to its style and atmosphere also definitely as an highly entertaining one to watch. I wouldn't exactly call the style surrealistic and absurdism is perhaps a better word to describe the movie its style and pleasant, often subtle, comedy.

Its style always keeps the movie going and also makes this one of the faster paced movies from the '30's. It's also a reason why the movie is actually quite short, with its about 80 minutes of running time. Even though the movie basically covers the entire life span of a person, it's over before you know it.

You'll surely have a good time watching this very pleasant and highly original little film.

10/10