Allo Berlin? Ici Paris! (1932)
Directed by Julien Duvivier

Film Review

Allo Berlin? Ici Paris! marked a rare departure from the norm for Julien Duvivier, in terms of both style and subject.  One of the director's few comedies, the film has more in common with the work of Duvivier's contemporary René Clair, with its abundance of visual gags, anti-authoritarian stance and inspired stylistic flourishes.  Unlike Clair, Duvivier was not known for wild experimentation with technique, even though he was the consummate craftsman and had a flair for turning out great works of cinema at a prodigious rate.

This film shows a side to Duvivier - a lighter, more romantic, even anarchic side - which those familiar with his other work will find surprising.  The director's more cynical view of human nature does surface occasionally, sounding the occasional discordant note that threatens to turn comedy into tragedy, but in the end bonhomie prevails and the audience is spared the kind of Titus Andronicus-style denouement which Duvivier seemed to prefer.  Although somewhat dated and far less polished than Duvivier's other films, Allo Berlin? Ici Paris! is well worth seeing, if only to get a fresh perspective on one of the true masters of French cinema.

Film Synopsis

Lily and Erich are switchboard operators who have never met but they talk to each other every day and soon realise that they are in love.  He works in Berlin, she in Paris.  They finally agree to meet up in the French capital.  Lily is surprised when the man who turns up at the rendezvous is nothing like the photograph that Erich has sent her.  He is of course an impostor, but Lily still allows herself to be courted by him.  Erich has likewise met up with the wrong woman, an attractive girl named Annette.  Once this eventful weekend is over, Erich and Lily go back to their ordinary, colourless lives but are summarily dismissed by their employers for fraternising in their company's time.  All turns out well in the end, however, and the distant lovers are finally brought together...