Considering that Louis Gasnier had been unfaithful to his work when he directed TOPAZE in 1932, starring Louis Jouvet, Marcel Pagnol shot in 1936 a new version of this ferocious satire of modern times, starring Arnaudy. Despite a favorable reception from critics, little was made of this film.

Topaze (2nd version)

Production

Producer and distributor: Les Films Marcel Pagnol.
Script and dialogues: Marcel Pagnol, after his own play.
Direction: Marcel Pagnol.
Visuals: Albert Assouad.
Portrait and still cameraman: Roger Corbeau.
Set: Louis David.
Sound: Jean Lecocq.
Music: Vincent Scotto.
Editing: Suzanne de Troye.
Studios: Marcel Pagnol, Marseille.
First public screening: Paris, May 1936.
Running time: 1h58.

Performers

Antoine Arnaudy - Topaze
Délia Col - Suzy Courtois
Léon Brouzet - Monsieur Muche
Sylvia Bataille - Ernestine Muche
Alida Rouffe - La baronne Pitart Vergniolles
Jean Castan - Séguedille
Jean Arbuleau - Roger de Berville
Léon Bélières - Régis Castel Vergnac
Henri Poupon - Le vénérable vieillard
Paul Demange - ...

Story

An over-scrupulous schoolmaster, harassed by his headmaster, shall betray his moral principles for a happy and profit-making career in corrupt practices and blackmail.