Salut Berthe! (1968)
Directed by Guy Lefranc

Film Review

Salut Berthe! is a routine comedy that just about steers clear of mundanity thanks to its wacky plot and the lively contributions from its two iconic comedy performers, Fernand Raynaud and Darry Cowl, who form a surprisingly entertaining double act.  (Raynaud is always lethally funny, but Cowl is only at his best when partnered with another great comedian).  This was the last but one film that Raynaud made with director Guy Lefranc, their previous collaborations including the erratic western spoof Fernand Cow-boy (1956) and amiable thriller parody La Bande à papa (1956).  Whilst Salut Berthe! isn't as original as these earlier comedy romps, it makes for an exuberant farce, in the Georges Feydeau mould (so expect lots of pointless running around and door slamming).   Despite being one of the most popular French comedians of his day, Raynaud had difficulty finding his feet as a screen actor and would appear in just one more film, L'Auvergnat et l'autobus (1969), before his untimely death in 1973.

Film Synopsis

Abidjan businessman Adrien Chautard is over the moon when he is sent to Paris on an important trade mission, because this will provide him with an ideal opportunity to meet up with his adorable mistress, Elisabeth.  Unfortunately, before he can board the aeroplane to Paris his temperamental wife Berthe shows up and insists on coming with him.  Adrien will do anything to get his unwanted spouse off his back, even trusting a complete stranger to kidnap her...