Dir. Jacques Becker, 1951. 88 min. B&W. DCP.
With Daniel Gélin, Anne Vernon, Elina Labourdettet
In French with English subtitles
Becker returned to the subject of married life with this witty romantic comedy about Edouard, a talented but unknown pianist, and his patrician wife, Caroline. As Edouard eagerly prepares for a potentially career-launching piano recital at the penthouse of Caroline’s rich uncle, a missing waistcoat and a daringly altered dress threaten to put an end to their marital harmony.
With rapid-fire dialogue, riotous misunderstandings, and an uproarious gallery of supporting characters, including a snobbish high-society uncle and a straight-talking American tycoon, Edouard and Caroline has the sheen and effortless momentum of golden-age Hollywood comedies.