
Behind the Facade
Derrière la façade
Release: 1939-03-14·Runtime: 90m·★ 7.8
CrimeComedy
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.
Production Countries
France
Production Companies
Régina
Cast
Elmire Vautieras Marie, Lydia's dresser
Michel Simonas Picking, knife-throwing artist
Betty Stockfeldas English, Albert's companion, Eric's mistress
Jean Joffreas Mr. Martin, blind, father of Madeleine
Jules Berryas Alfredo d'Avila, dancer of these ladies
Paul Faivreas Concierge of the two buildings
Jean Daurandas Telegraphist who discovered the corpse
Marcel Simonas Jules, government minister and Gaby's lover
Jean Wieneras Pianist of the “Perroquet” (uncredited)
Lucien Barouxas Commissioner Boucheron, district police officer
André Lefauras Mr. Corbeau, kleptomaniac
Gaby Sylviaas Madeleine Martin, in love with André
Julien Caretteas Soldier, confined in the room of a “country”
Jacques Baumeras Inspector Lambert of the Sûreté
Gabrielle Dorziatas Mrs. Bernier, wife of the President
Georges Beveras Taxi driver (uncredited)
Gaby Morlayas Gaby Valrose, minister's lover
Claude Sainvalas Gaby's gigolo
Rivers Cadetas Agent (uncredited)
Erich von Stroheimas Eric, German naturalized French
Elvira Popescuas Mrs. Rameau, wife of an industrialist and mistress of Alfredo
Andrexas André Laurent, bank cashier, lover of Madeleine
Aimé Clariondas Judge Bernier, President of the Court of Appeal
Marguerite Morenoas Owner of the "Perroquet" and the festivities upstairs
Robert Ozanneas Brigadier
Franck Mauriceas Agent (uncredited)
Robert Mooras Agent (uncredited)
Henri Nassietas (uncredited)
Jacques Dumesnilas Albert Durant, stockbroker and poker player
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