Review by johnpierrepatrick

Pagnol's movies have to be heard in French, to have the pleasure to hear and fully appreciate this melodious accent. This time, the story focuses on 2 mains families, one poor and simple and one rich and more, let's say, cautious, in particular times as the story takes place in 1939 and 1940 - the movie being shot in 1940 and released at the end of that year.

The movie is a bit too long but rewards us with some crunchy scenes and 2 of the best French actors, Raimu and Fernandel. The rest of the cast does not reach the same levels (with these 2, the challenge is not easy) and the choice of the leading actress did not convince me as a 18y young girl. The scenario is so so, but still displays Pagnol love for simple, modest people.