French film actor-turned-director René Clair reluctantly adopted sound, but then proceeded to use it in a unique and inimitable way for his stylish, whimsical fantasies.  His two outstanding films of the early sound period are this one and Le Million.  Halliwell comments on his style in the Filmgoer’s Companion:

‘Distinguished French director of light comedy; he brought to the screen a nimble command of technique, an optimistic outlook, and a total lack of malice or message.’

Both of Clair’s 1930 films perfectly sum up what Halliwell often referred to as a ‘lightness of touch’, and also demonstrate his eye for the common man and the localities of Paris.  Halliwell gave him this dedication:

‘For creating films in which, by a dextrous combination of sound and picture, the feet of the characters appeared never to touch the ground.’

 

Year: 1931