La Poison

Synopsis

Paul and Blandine Braconnier both have the same wish, to find a way of killing the other without being caught. She hits on rat poison, he, intrigued by a radio interview with a famous lawyer, decides to go to Paris to meet him. There he convinces the lawyer that he has already murdered his wife, and through the questions of the lawyer works out the best way to do it and get acquitted. On his return to the home town, their plans are put in place.

Cast

Michel Simon: Paul Louis Victor Braconnier, the gardener

Germaine Reuver: Blandine Braconnier, Paul's wife

Jean Debucourt: Maître Aubanel, the famous lawyer

Louis de Funès: André Chevillard, a citizen of Remonville

Marcelle Arnold: Germaine Chevillard, André's wife

Georges Bever: Mr Gaillard, the chemist of Remonville

Nicolas Amato: Victor Boitevin, an inhabitant

Jacques Varennes: the prosecutor

Jeanne Fusier-Gir: Mrs Tyberghen, the florist

Pauline Carton: Mrs Michaud, the grocer

Albert Duvaleix: Abbot Méthivier

Léon Walther: a senior magistrate

Henry Laverne: Judiciary President

Harry Max: Henri, an inhabitant

Production

Guitry was determined to have Michel Simon in his film and asked the actor how he could make his participation satisfactory; Simon replied that he wanted only one take for his scenes. Guitry explained this to the technical crew, and this happened due to meticulous preparation by crew and actors. Three cameras were used for the takes, except indoor dialogues where two were employed. All the sets were constructed in colour but filmed in black and white, in order to play the effect of their shades. Notably, in a film in which he did not act, the introductory credits take the form of physical introductions and thanks by Guitry to each of the cast, the composer and key technical staff, even many of the extras. Filming was very short; a contemporary report stated "12 days and 3 hours" while Knapp gives nine days.

Remake

The film was remade by Jean Becker as A Crime in Paradise in 2001.