La Traversée de Paris
La Traversée de Paris

Movie spotlight

La Traversée de Paris

1956
Movie
80 min
French

Two unlikely companions must smuggle four suitcases filled with contraband pork across Nazi-occupied Paris.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: Claude Autant-LaraGenres: Comedy, War

Plot Summary

During the German occupation of Paris, black marketeer Jambier hires the simple-minded Marcel Martin to help him transport illegal goods across the city. Their clandestine journeys become a series of mishaps and absurd situations, highlighting the absurdity of war and the resilience of the human spirit. Marcel's naive optimism clashes with Jambier's cynicism, leading to humorous yet poignant encounters.

Critical Reception

The film was a significant box office success in France and is remembered for its blend of dark humor and social commentary. While not always critically lauded for its artistic merit, its enduring popularity stems from its iconic performances and its witty portrayal of life under occupation.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for the masterful performances of its lead actors, particularly Jean Gabin and Bourvil.

  • Appreciated for its dark humor and satirical take on the occupation and black market.

  • Noted for its moments of genuine pathos amidst the comedic situations.

Google audience: Audience reception information on Google is not readily available for this specific release.

Fun Fact

Louis de Funès, who would later become a major comedy star, plays a small but memorable role as a butcher who encounters Jambier and Marcel.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review