Merlusse

Merlusse
Directed byMarcel Pagnol
Written byMarcel Pagnol
Produced byMarcel Pagnol
Starring
CinematographyAlbert Assouad
Edited bySuzanne de Troeye
Music byVincent Scotto
Production
company
Films Marcel Pagnol
Distributed byFilms Marcel Pagnol
Release date
  • 6 December 1935 (1935-12-06)
Running time
72 minutes
CountryFrance
LanguageFrench

Merlusse is a 1935 French comedy drama film written and directed by Marcel Pagnol and starring Henri Poupon, André Pollack and Annie Toinon.[1] It was shot at the Lycée Thiers in Marseille, which Pagnol had himself once attended. It should not be confused with the Merlusse fairy, a depiction of Melusine in the Vosges (France).

Synopsis

A tough teacher charged with looking after the students left behind at a boarding school during the Christmas holidays rises to the challenge and comes to better understand the boys in his care.

Cast

Reception

Writing for The Spectator in 1936, Graham Greene gave the film a good review, describing it simply as "a slightly sentimental tale". Greene praises Poupon in his portrayal of Merlusse, and expresses admiration for Pagnol's "simpleness, [and] directness".[2]

The film inspired Alexander Payne to make The Holdovers (2023), which has a similar plot.[3]

References

  1. ^ Michalczyk p.43
  2. ^ Greene, Graham (3 April 1936). "Merlusse/The Day of the Great Adventure/Desire". The Spectator. (reprinted in: John Russel, Taylor, ed. (1980). The Pleasure Dome. p. 62. ISBN 0192812866.)
  3. ^ Hammond, Pete (September 1, 2023). "The Holdovers Review". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 5, 2023.

Bibliography

  • Martin Garrett. Provence: A Cultural History. Andrews UK Limited, 2012.
  • John J. Michalczyk. The French literary filmmakers. Art Alliance Press, 1980.


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