Boniface somnambule (1951)
Directed by Maurice Labro

Film Review

Boniface somnambule is far from being the most memorable of French comedies but it does have one claim fame - a hilarious scene in which two of France's legendary comic actors - Louis de Funès and Fernandel - appear in bed together.  Alas, this unforgettable (and highly improbable) rencontre takes up less than five minutes of screen time and the rest of the film is the usual poldding Fernandel fare, with the horse-faced comedian reprising the role he had played in L'Héroïque Monsieur Boniface (1949).  Director Maurice Labro makes the most of the lacklustre scenario but the distinct dearth of gags and a mostly recycled storyline offer limited scope for creativity.  A few limp musical numbers provide a little relief from the heavy pall of ennui that hangs over the film, but apart from the aforementioned clash of comedy titans there's not a great deal to write home about.  It's an amiable little time waster if you're a Fernandel fan, otherwise don't bother.

Film Synopsis

Monsieur Boniface finds that his services are much in demand after he brings a notorious gang of crooks to justice.  Hired as a store detective, his latest mission is simply to keep an eye on the jewellery on display in an upmarket department store.  Boniface takes his job seriously and he would no doubt be extremely good at it were it not for the fact that he suffers from chronic somnambulism.  It is in the course of one of his nocturnal peregrinations that the unfortunate Bonifance breaks into the store and unconsciously steals several of the jewels that he has been guarding so assiduously during the day.  Some crooks are quick to capitalise on Boniface's unwitting thievery but there is even greater trouble in store when the sleepwalker finds his way into the bedroom of an attractive girl named Stella.  When he comes to his senses, Boniface ends up marrying the store's owner, not realising that his unfortunate condition is hereditary...