This is an ok title in Fernandel's filmography, but it's certainly not the best movie directed by Jean Daniel Norman, just remember the punchy "120 Rue de la gare" with René Dary and Sophie Desmaret. The story of a secret formula for eternal life for flowers isn't exciting at all, it's even rather lousy sometimes, but I guess it works for Fernandel' fans. The main interest for me is the presence of Robert le Vigan in one of his last part, but we're far of course from his previous character as Goupi Tonkin.
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happytrigger-64-39051725 July 2021
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dbdumonteil20 December 2016Plot:professor Moucherotte is about to discover a revolutionary fuel ,the formula of which is coveted by industrialists who would be ruined by this new product ,as well as an impostor,Bontagues,who would like to claim all the merit of the invention for himself ;the scientist dies,and everybody believes that his assistant holds the key to the secret whereas this dreamer,Fleuret ,actually tries to make flowers immortal.
Forgettable comedy featuring Fernandel,as Fleuret (sic) ,chased by killers and by the police ;a bit repetitive but with good moments mainly by Robert Le Vigan as a delightful unscrupulous villain who almost outstrips the star ;however ,Fernandel shines in the trial scenes : his lawyer wants to make him a victim sacrificed on the altar of national interest ("But I do not want to be sacrificed!") .A journalist (a very conventional part) supplies love interest .
Made in 1943,when French people were not smiling,let alone laughing. After the Liberation,Le Vigan ,accused of collaboration ,was sentenced to ten days of hard labor ,then released on parole ,but his career was over and he died in poverty abroad.