About
In the elevator of two large Parisian buildings, a telegraph operator discovers the body of an elderly woman, Madame Mathieu, the owner of both buildings. Boucheron, the local superintendent, is dispatched to investigate, along with his rival, Inspector Lambert of the "Sûreté". To solve the enigma, they scour staircases and corridors, visiting every floor of both buildings, courtyard and facade. Their gruff rivalry allows them to complement each other in discovering who committed the crime among a gallery of characters, humble or rich, who all have something to be ashamed of... A rare, fast-paced, picturesque comedy set against the backdrop of a police mystery.
Theatrical
Sep 27, 1944
Directors
Music
Studio
Régina
Original Title
Derrière la façade
Original Language
French
Cast
Full credits →L
Lucien Baroux
Commissioner Boucheron, district police officer
J
Jacques Baumer
Inspector Lambert of the Sûreté
J
Jules Berry
Alfredo d'Avila, dancer of these ladies
G
Gaby Morlay
Gaby Valrose, minister's lover
E
Elvira Popescu
Mrs. Rameau, wife of an industrialist and mistress of Alfredo
M
Michel Simon
Picking, knife-throwing artist
A
André Lefaur
Mr. Corbeau, kleptomaniac
G
Gaby Sylvia
Madeleine Martin, in love with André
A
Andrex
André Laurent, bank cashier, lover of Madeleine
S
Simone Berriau
Lydia, singer at “Perroquet”, mistress of the President
E
Erich von Stroheim
Eric, German naturalized French
B
Betty Stockfeld
English, Albert's companion, Eric's mistress
J
Jacques Dumesnil
Albert Durant, stockbroker and poker player
M
Missia
Joséphine, chicken trainer, wife of Picking
P
Paul Faivre
Concierge of the two buildings
A
Aimé Clariond
Judge Bernier, President of the Court of Appeal
R
Raymond Segard
Robert Bernier, eldest son of the President
M
Marguerite Moreno
Owner of the "Perroquet" and the festivities upstairs
G
Gabrielle Dorziat
Mrs. Bernier, wife of the President
J
Jean Daurand
Telegraphist who discovered the corpse
