Release, runtime and language

1939 · 90 mins · French

Directed by

Georges Lacombe

Starring

Michel Simon, Jean Wiener, Julien Carette, Robert Ozanne, Erich von Stroheim, Andrex

A telegraph operator finds the dead body of Madame Mathieu, owner of two Parisian towers, in an elevator. Superintendent Boucheron and his rival, Inspector Lambert of the Sûreté, are sent to investigate. Together they comb every stair, hallway and courtyard, interrogating a colorful mix of humble and wealthy residents, each with secrets, in a brisk, picturesque comedy‑mystery balanced by their grudging partnership.