Okay ,it's André Hunebelle , and it's considered polite , among the French cinebuffs ,to heap scorn on this non-intellectual director .
But why deny you some fun? The play ,full of sudden new developments and witty lines, was often played on stage (and part of the series "Au theatre ce soir") and Hunebelle's adaptation for the screen is quite satisfying .
Micheline Presles is as talented an actress in the comedy as she is in drama ; Fernand Gravey who was the star of the first version of "some like it hot" ("fanfare d'amour",1934) is excellent as the wet husband ,at the beck and call of an authoritian missus ; it makes it hard to believe that he was (or might be) a South American hero ,El Caballero, whose passionaria (Germaine Montero ,in an Elvire Popesco-like part) comes to chastise for he betrayed the imaginary state of Santa Rosalinda and was sentenced to death by the revolutionary court afterwards.
It happens on the Reveillon De Noel where the guests have a wild time whereas the hostess frets because ,in spite of her (often cynical)tricks ,the number of the guests for the meal always goes back to thirteen;and although she claims she's not superstitious ,she could not,would not bear the curse of the Last Supper.
Anyway,the Office Catholique Du Cinema blamed the film because the general atmosphere was unpleasant for the Christian audience .
But don't worry ! It's an entertaining comedy you'll enjoy!
