Operazione maggiordomo

The film somehow resembles another film made by Jean Delannoy, "Action Man" Original title: Le soleil des voyous 1967, in both films there is a well elaborated hold-up. If in "Action Man" the protagonists were Jean Gabin and Robert Stack, in "Le Majordome" the heroes are played by Paul Meurisse and Paul Hubschmid. In fact, the whole film is "a recital" by Paul Meurisse, the talented actor "stealing" the film with his extraordinary performance. The beautiful and talented Geneviève Page shines in the role of Agnès des Vallières alias Lieutenant Planchon from the judicial police. At the end of the film, a surprise appearance, extremely pleasant, but only for a few seconds, the incomparable, unique Bourvil, who is not even credited.

This bizarre little piece begins so well but sadly fails to fulfil its early promise. By degrees it all becomes rather infantile and eventually gives us a very uneasy mixture of Comedy and dead bodies.

The only reason for sitting it out is to enjoy the immaculate artistry of Paul Meurisse as the title character. He is ably supported however by Genevieve Page who oozes class and Noel Roquevert who is always good value. I have never been entirely convinced by Paul Hubschmid and his performance here does nothing to alter my view.

Director Jean Delannoy made his first feature in 1938 and his last in 1990. I admire his work enormously and there are at least a dozen of his films that I would recommend without hesitation. Suffice to say, this is not one of them.