Barnabé (1938)
Directed by Alexander Esway

Film Review

Barnabé is a convoluted yet nevertheless entertaining farce of the kind that was very popular in France in the 1930s.  With its mocking yet affectionate view of the aristocracy, complicated romantic liaisons, and larger than life comic characters, the story is pure P.G. Wodehouse, and just as funny. However, what really brings the film to life is an extraordinary physical performance from Fernandel, France's leading comic actor at the time.

As in many of his early films, Fernandel breaks into song at the most unlikely moments.  This includes his show-stopping rendition of the film's title song, Barnabé, which went on to become a popular song in its own right.  A magnificent blend of slapstick and vaudeville, this is a film which has much to commend it, even if the plot is a little overly complicated and rushed.

Film Synopsis

Leaving his home in Provence, Barnabé, a simple-minded flute-player, arrives in Paris and sets about trying to find himself a job.  Thanks to a cousin of his, he is engaged by Madame Petit-Durand to perform at a party to mark her daughter Jackie 's twentieth birthday.  Upon his arrival at the impressive Petit-Durand residence, Barnabé is immediately mistaken for the Count Paul de Marengo, the wealthy aristocrat to whom his employer intends to marry her daughter.  Little does Madame Petit-Durand know that Jackie has already found her ideal soul mate, in André Dubreuil.

As it turns out, Barnabé has no interest in Jackie, since he has lost his heart to his employer's pretty maid, Rose.  Unfortunately for him, Rose happens to be the daughter of the local policeman, a stern old sourpuss who is about to become Barnabé's worst enemy.  As for the real Count de Marengo, he has already found the woman he intends to marry.  Despite the well-intended match-making schemes of Madame Petit-Durand everything turns out well in the end, with not one but three happy couples plighting their troth...