Sérénade aux nuages (1946)
Directed by André Cayatte

Film Review

The first of three films featuring Tino Rossi to be released in 1946, Sérénade aux nuages is a modest but amiable comedy which has stood the test of time better than many of the singer's other films.  Rossi was at his best as an actor when he was permitted to play a character not too far removed from himself, and this is amply borne out by his engaging and true-to-life performance in this film.  Sérénade aux nuages was directed, without much enthusiasm, by André Cayatte (some years before he began concentrating on judiciary-themed dramas).  Cayatte would later direct Rossi in Le Chanteur inconnu (1947).  In some of his films, the charismatic singer has a tendency to out-shine his co-stars, but not so here.  Pierre Larquey and Noël Roquevert are as well-served by the script and Cayatte's direction as the lead man, and Rossi could not have asked for a better female lead than Jacqueline Gauthier (even if he does end up spanking her an awful lot).  Rossi's vocal talents are put to good use in a few numbers at the top and tail of the film, but his main achievement is to prevent this slight comedy from falling flat.

Film Synopsis

Sylvio is an incredibly successful singer who has become weary of being recognised wherever he goes.  Desperately in need of a change, he goes off for a quiet holiday, assuming the identity of his faithful valet.  Arriving in a quite spot in the country, he soon gets himself a job as a servant at a mansion belonging to Count Fabrice.  Sylvio's plan seems to be working a treat, and his employer is too busy searching his grounds for a lost treasure to give him any trouble.  He strikes up a friendship with the Count's independently minded daughter, Gracieuse, and is gratified when she fails to recognise him.   Just when Sylvio's long overdue break was going so well who should suddenly turn up but his troublesome impresario.  Posing as a water-diviner, the later upsets the singer's plans and in the end he has no choice but to reveal his identity.  As a consolation prize, Sylvio gets to marry the girl he has just fallen in love with...