Topaze

Albert Topaze teaches at a private school and genuinely believes in honesty and morals. Muche, who owns the school, thinks about nothing but money. Topaze is in love with his daughter, and because she knows it she uses him. One day Topaze refuses to give a pupil a mark he has not earned, and he is dismissed. Out on the street, an offer comes his way: somebody is looking for a name with an honest face. Régis, a corrupt politician, is looking for a clean name to put in front of his business, and Topaze is exactly the man he wants. At first Topaze does not understand what he is doing. When he does understand, he does not go back; the teacher who gave lessons in morals learns how the system works and starts using it better than anyone. The source is Marcel Pagnol's play from 1928, and Pagnol directed the film himself. Fernandel has the lead. Two hours and sixteen minutes.