Movie spotlight
An honest and naive schoolteacher gets a lesson in how the world works outside the classroom, when a rich Baron and his mistress use the teacher's name and outstanding reputation in a crooked business scheme.
Topaze, a naive and principled mathematics teacher, finds his life upended when his secret affair with a married woman, Madame Michelle, is discovered. To save his reputation, he is forced to accept a lucrative but ethically dubious position with a wealthy industrialist. This transition propels him into a world of corruption and manipulation, forcing him to compromise his values.
Upon its release, Topaze received mixed reviews. Critics often praised John Barrymore's performance but found the film's narrative somewhat predictable and its satire less sharp than expected. The film performed moderately at the box office.
John Barrymore's performance is a highlight, bringing depth to the titular character.
The film's satirical elements are present but often fall short of being truly biting.
The plot follows a somewhat familiar trajectory of moral compromise for personal gain.
Google audience: Audience reception information is not readily available for this 1933 film.
The 1933 film 'Topaze' is an adaptation of a 1928 French play of the same name by Marcel Pagnol, which was also adapted into French films in 1933 and 1936.
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This is quite en engaging "worm that turned" style story that centres around the genial and honourable academic "Prof. Topaze" (John Barrymore). Refusing to enhance the grades of the dimwit son of an influential family, the boy's mother see...