Cherchez l’idole
Year: 1964
Runtime: 85 mins
Language: French
Director: Michel Boisrond
After stealing a diamond from Mylène Demongeot, Richard hides the gem inside a guitar. When he returns to the music shop, he finds the instrument has already been sold. The trouble worsens when five customers have each bought the same model that morning, forcing Richard into a frantic scramble to recover the hidden treasure before it vanishes.
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Cherchez l’idole (1964) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Read the complete plot breakdown of Cherchez l’idole (1964), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
In this playful star-studded caper, Mylène Demongeot moves into a chic new home beside the Bois de Boulogne, only to find the house under construction quickly swarmed by an army of workers. A glamorous invitation arrives from General De Gaulle to attend a reception in three days at the Elysée Palace, a high-profile event that could shape her public image. To look her best for that occasion, she asks her trusted maid Berthe Granval to assemble a dazzling gala outfit and to guard a small diamond heart — a jewel valued at 500,000 new francs (roughly 760,000 euros). Meanwhile, she must travel to Cannes for a film-related engagement, adding a dash of pressure to an already busy schedule.
Franck Fernandel plays Richard, a cheerful tiler who works in the star’s house and is momentarily exasperated by his ambitious and troublesome girlfriend, Corinne, portrayed by Dany Saval. Through Gisèle, the maid, he learns about the famous jewel. One night, driven by impulse, he steals the heart. But neighbors who witnessed someone crossing the wall of the star’s property alert the police, and a tense pursuit begins. Richard darts into the nearest warehouse—the stockroom of a music shop—and conceals the jewel by pressing it under the binding of an Ericson guitar with chewing gum.
The next day, a twist of fate intensifies the situation: Corinne goes to the shop to buy the guitar, only to discover that the five Ericson guitars in stock have just been sold to five singing idols. Corinne blames Richard and breaks up with him, while she and her friend Vonny embark on a pursuit of the idols. Richard, now remorseful, also sets off on a treasure hunt, aided by Gisèle, who knows the truth about the thief, with the aim of returning the jewel to Mylène Demongeot after her Cannes trip.
To solve the mystery, they must approach the idols during their performances to discover which one among the five holds the treasured guitar. The five suspects are the celebrated performers [Charles Aznavour], [Sylvie Vartan], [Frank Alamo], [Nancy Holloway], and [Johnny Hallyday], and the story unfolds as they each bring their own style, charisma, and stage presence to the search for the missing gem.
Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 09:23
Explore Movie Threads
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Fun treasure hunt movies like Cherchez l’idole
Fast-paced comedic capers where every mishap fuels the next chaotic encounter.If you liked the frantic chase and playful energy of Cherchez l’idole, you'll enjoy these movies. This section features similar lighthearted capers and treasure hunt stories with mistaken identities, fast pacing, and a series of comedic misadventures where the journey is just as fun as the destination.
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Narrative Summary
Stories in this thread typically involve a MacGuffin—a stolen item or hidden treasure—that sends a hapless protagonist on a frantic, linear journey. The plot is driven by a sequence of mistakes, coincidences, and encounters with eccentric characters, creating a domino effect of lighthearted chaos that builds to a satisfying, happy conclusion.
Why These Movies?
These movies are grouped by their shared core of high-energy, low-stakes pursuit. They share a mischievous, playful tone, fast pacing to keep the action zipping along, and a focus on the comedy of errors that arises from the chase itself, rather than deep character drama or genuine danger.
Whimsical pop culture capers like Cherchez l’idole
Celebrity-filled comedies where a whimsical premise drives a fun, energetic story.Find more movies with the same playful, pop-culture vibe as Cherchez l’idole. These films feature celebrity cameos, a fun and energetic atmosphere, and a whimsical plot centered around a lighthearted misadventure, perfect for viewers seeking an upbeat and stylish comedic escape.
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Narrative Summary
The narrative pattern often involves an ordinary person—or a charming rogue—thrust into a glamorous world of celebrities or a specific subculture due to a silly misunderstanding or a small-scale crime. The story is less about deep conflict and more about the fish-out-of-water humor and the joyful, spectacle-filled journey through this vibrant world.
Why These Movies?
These films are united by their specific mood: a blend of lighthearted fun, energetic pacing, and a strong dose of whimsy rooted in a particular cultural scene. The tone is consistently upbeat, the emotional weight is light, and the inclusion of real-world cultural touchpoints creates a distinct, celebratory feel.
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Cherchez l’idole Timeline
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Characters, Settings & Themes in Cherchez l’idole
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