The Secret of Polichinelle (1936 film)

The Secret of Polichinelle is a 1936 French comedy film directed by André Berthomieu. The film stars Fernandel, Arletty, and Alice Tissot. The story revolves around a shy, unassuming man named Auguste (Fernandel), who works as a stagehand in a Parisian theater. He is secretly in love with a beautiful actress, Mireille (Arletty). Auguste discovers that he possesses an uncanny ability to mimic the voice of Polichinelle, a traditional Punch puppet character.

Exploiting this talent, he anonymously uses the Polichinelle voice to woo Mireille, sending her messages and serenades. This creates a comical and romantic situation, as Mireille is captivated by the mysterious voice but unaware of its true source. The film follows Auguste's attempts to reveal himself to Mireille while navigating the complications and misunderstandings that arise from his secret. The humor is derived from Auguste's awkwardness, the irony of his secret identity, and the reactions of the other characters, including the theater staff and Mireille's other admirers.

The Secret of Polichinelle is considered a classic of French cinema, notable for Fernandel's performance and its lighthearted depiction of love and Parisian life. The film utilizes traditional comedic tropes like mistaken identity and secret admiration to create an engaging and entertaining narrative.