La Table aux crevés (1952)
Directed by Henri Verneuil

Film Review

Having made a number of short films in the 1940s, Henri Verneuil began his film-making career proper in 1951 with this, his first full-length film, adapted from a novel by Marcel Aymé.  The film stars the iconic comic actor Fernandel, who had appeared in Verneuil's earlier short film Escale au soleil (1947).  The two men - both major players in French cinema for many years - would work together again over the following decade in another six films, all popular successes.   With its sunny provençal location, authentic characterisation of country folk and poetic cinematographic style, La Table aux crevés is reminiscent of the films of Marcel Pagnol, with which Fernandel is himself closely associated.

Film Synopsis

Returning to his farm, Urbain Coindet is surprised to find his wife Aurélie hanging by her neck from the ceiling in her kitchen.  It is obvious that the unfortunate woman killed herself in a moment of despair, but Urbain's in-laws, the Miloins, are convinced she was murdered - most probably by the son-in-law they never had any liking for.  The Miloins are right in thinking there was never any love between Aurélie and Urbain.  The latter seemed to be more interested in another, prettier girl, Jeanne Gari.  As his in-laws continue blackening his name, Urbain receives some welcome support from the town's mayor Forgeral, his ever-faithful friend Victor and the kindly country policeman Capucet.

Unfortunately for Urbain, he finds he has another, far more dangerous adversary in Frédéric Gari, the brother of his sweetheart Jeanne.  The latter is back on the scene after being released from prison where he served a stretch for smuggling.  Frédéric doesn't exactly warm to his sister's future husband when the Miloins confide in him that it was Urbain who denounced him to the authorities.  Realising that his life is in danger, Urbain hastily flees with Jeanne to Aix, but life in the city does not suit him.  He returns to his village, ready to settle his differences with Frédéric in the old fashioned way, on a plot of land named La Table aux crevés.  The duel ends with only a few drops of blood being shed, and Urbain  is at last able to marry the girl he truly loves.