This is one of the episodes from Bell Telephone's "Telephone Time"--an anthology series from the 1950s. Fortunately, a few episodes are available for viewing DVD, but it appears as if the vast majority are unfortunately not available.
This is the true story about the life of Henri Charpentier--a world-famous chef and possible inventor of the Crêpe Suzette. I say possible, because the exact origins of this dish are not 100% sure--and the story in this episode seems a bit different from other accounts. Regardless, the story is marvelously played by Walter Slezak. He played the part so lovingly and sweetly that I was entranced--particularly when he had the pleasure to serve Sarah Bernhardt at a special meal during an evening when his restaurant should have been closed. I was also taken by how easily the Austrian-born actor seemed to speak French--it wasn't bad. The story is sweet and well acted by everyone. What I particularly enjoyed was seeing the real-life Charpentier interviewed at the very end. A delight.
This is the true story about the life of Henri Charpentier--a world-famous chef and possible inventor of the Crêpe Suzette. I say possible, because the exact origins of this dish are not 100% sure--and the story in this episode seems a bit different from other accounts. Regardless, the story is marvelously played by Walter Slezak. He played the part so lovingly and sweetly that I was entranced--particularly when he had the pleasure to serve Sarah Bernhardt at a special meal during an evening when his restaurant should have been closed. I was also taken by how easily the Austrian-born actor seemed to speak French--it wasn't bad. The story is sweet and well acted by everyone. What I particularly enjoyed was seeing the real-life Charpentier interviewed at the very end. A delight.