La Vie à deux (1958)
Directed by Clément Duhour

Film Review

This multi-part film with an impressive star-studied cast lacks the feel of a satisfying whole, but it is so full of magical little moments that that hardly seems to matter.  Written by Sacha Guitry, a luminary of French cinema and a distinguished writer in his own right, the film has some sparkling dialogue which is brought to life by some amazing acting talent.

The best instances of this are Jean Marais, playing a conjurer who gets entrapped by a sex-starved society lady, and Gérard Philipe playing the valet who is ultimately the downfall of the same society lady.  Pierre Brasseur, Edwige Feuillère and Louis de Funès, amongst others, also put in some memorable performances.

After an impressive first half, the film does seem to slow down and lose its charm towards the end.  Nonetheless, it is certainly worth seeing, if only for the thrill of viewing so many acting legends of French cinema in one film.

Film Synopsis

Realising that his days are numbered, the renowned author Pierre Carraud puts his signature to his last will and testament in the presence of his friends and his notary.  Carraud has led a long and happy life and it is his intention to leave his entire fortune to those who are most likely to do the same.  The candidates are all of the individuals who served as models for the characters of his most famous novel, La Vie à deux.  If none of these satisfies Carraud's stipulation, then his wealth will be shared equally between his two closest friends, Arthur Vattier and Roland Sauvage.  Two genealogists named Pommier and Santis set out to examine the personal circumstances of the possible heirs and judge whether or not they meet the terms of the will...