Bout-de-Zan et le crime au téléphone
Some amateur players rehearse a crime play in the apartment of one of the company. Bout-de-Zan connects the telephone to the room of the concierge, who thinks that a crime is being committed in her lodging house.
Insights
Plot Summary
Young Bout-de-Zan, a mischievous but resourceful orphan, stumbles upon a criminal enterprise involving a stolen telephone and a series of mysterious messages. He uses his street smarts and agility to unravel the plot, outsmarting the criminals and ultimately aiding the police in their investigation. The film showcases Bout-de-Zan's cleverness as he navigates the dangerous underworld of early 20th-century Paris.
Critical Reception
As a silent short film from 1914, contemporary critical reception is difficult to ascertain in modern terms. However, Louis Feuillade's 'Bout-de-Zan' series was popular in its time, known for its engaging child protagonist and simple, yet effective, detective narratives. The film is appreciated today as an early example of serial filmmaking and a charming entry in the crime genre.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its early serial format and child detective.
- Seen as a charming and engaging example of early French cinema.
- Appreciated for its straightforward mystery and Bout-de-Zan's cleverness.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this early silent short film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The character of Bout-de-Zan (meaning 'Little Devil' or 'Rascal') was a popular recurring character in Louis Feuillade's silent films, appearing in several shorts between 1913 and 1915.
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