Pétrus (1946)

Directed by Marc Allegret and set in Montmartre this delightful piece concerns Fernandel as the title character whose love for the enchanting Migo of Simon Simone is unrequited while she is mad about the cad Rodrigue of Pierre Brasseur. The timing of the scenes between Fernandel and Brasseur is impeccable and there is a marvellous turn by Marcel Dalio as a sleazy counterfeiter. Beautifully shot by Michel Kelber with a glorious score by Joseph Kosma this film is a little gem. Such artistry, elegance, style and gentle humour belong alas to a vanished era.