Behind the Facade

Overview

In the elevator of two large Parisian buildings, a telegraph operator discovers the body of an elderly woman, Madame Mathieu, the owner of both buildings. Boucheron, the local superintendent, is dispatched to investigate, along with his rival, Inspector Lambert of the "Sûreté". To solve the enigma, they scour staircases and corridors, visiting every floor of both buildings, courtyard and facade. Their gruff rivalry allows them to complement each other in discovering who committed the crime among a gallery of characters, humble or rich, who all have something to be ashamed of... A rare, fast-paced, picturesque comedy set against the backdrop of a police mystery.

Cast

Lucien Baroux

Commissioner Boucheron, district police officer

Jacques Baumer

Inspector Lambert of the Sûreté

Jules Berry

Alfredo d'Avila, dancer of these ladies

Gaby Morlay

Gaby Valrose, minister's lover

Elvira Popescu

Mrs. Rameau, wife of an industrialist and mistress of Alfredo

Michel Simon

Picking, knife-throwing artist