Adhémar ou le jouet de la fatalité (1951)
Directed by Fernandel

Film Review

Who better to star in Sacha Guitry's comic morality tale than France's most celebrated screen comedian, Fernandel.   Although best known for his ebullient comic performances in his films of the 1930s, Fernandel became, in the course of his long screen career, an accomplished actor, sometimes displaying a darker, more melancholic, side to his persona.  This is certainly noticeable in Adhémar ou le jouet de la fatalité, where, through one his most poignant performances, the tragedy of the comic performer is all too clearly revealed.

Fernandel also directed the film, at the request of Guitry who was too ill himself to direct the film.  This was probably a mistake, because the film's central premise - to expose societies' attitudes towards people with physical deformities - is diluted and the film ends up seeming to justify the exclusion of such unfortunate individuals.  Behind the cheery song "Le rire est un instant divin" which closes the film, there is an unpalatable sense that ill-treatment of the afflicted is perfectly acceptable.  In any event, the film's cry of conscience is muddled by the comic imperative which Fernandel, through accident or design, drives through the film.

Film Synopsis

No matter where he goes or what he does, Adhémar Pomme finds that he cannot help being a laugh stock.  The cause of his affliction is his distinctive appearance, namely his horse-like face.  No one, it seems, can resist laughing at him, and this has made him not only miserable beyond words but also a threat to civilised society.  Fortunately, a rich philanthropist has built a sanctuary for such unfortunate souls as him, a place that provides a safe haven away from the mocking masses for the deformed and disfigured.  To gain admission to this benevolent institution, Adhémar must face an assessment panel and recount his tragic life story...