Year: 1931
Runtime: 83 mins
Language: French
Director: René Clair
When down‑and‑out painter Michel wins a million florins in the Dutch lottery, his joy is short‑lived: his girlfriend Béatrice has given his jacket, which holds the ticket, to an elderly petty thief. Michel, Béatrice and his rival Prosper race through Paris, chasing the missing jacket in a wildly inventive, razor‑sharp comedy.
Get a spoiler-free look at Le Million (1931) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the bustling heart of Paris, a city that seems to pulse with both romance and absurdity, a down‑and‑out painter finds his ordinary miseries suddenly punctuated by an extraordinary windfall. Michel Bouflette, constantly hounded by creditors and the maddening interruptions of daily life, discovers that he has won a million‑florin Dutch lottery—a sum that could rewrite his future. The sheer joy of this moment, however, is instantly undercut by the chaotic rhythm of his world, where even the most hopeful news can be tangled up in the everyday.
At the centre of Michel’s tangled existence is his fiancée, a spirited yet exasperated woman who, in an act of unwitting generosity, hands his jacket—containing the precious ticket—to an elderly petty thief. This seemingly harmless gesture sets off a frantic scramble that drags Michel, his girlfriend Béatrice, and his ever‑ambitious roommate into a frantic race through the streets of Paris. Adding fuel to the fire is Prosper, Michel’s fellow artist and rival, whose scheming nature turns the hunt for the missing ticket into a contest of wits and wills.
The film unfolds as a wildly inventive comedy, its tone razor‑sharp and its pacing relentless. The city itself becomes a character, its cafés, markets, and narrow alleyways providing the perfect backdrop for a series of escalating misunderstandings and slapstick encounters. Every interaction is laced with witty dialogue and a sense of urgency that feels both frantic and delightfully absurd, keeping the audience perpetually on the edge of laughter.
As the trio darts from one improbable situation to the next, the narrative weaves a tapestry of humor, rivalry, and romantic tension. The stakes are high, the humor is relentless, and the chase through Paris promises a whirlwind of clever set‑pieces that capture the joyous chaos of a life suddenly teetering between poverty and an impossible fortune.
Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 10:21
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.
Whimsical stories where a single object sparks a madcap, fast-paced pursuit.If you enjoyed the madcap pursuit of the lottery ticket in Le Million, you'll love these movies. This thread gathers fast-paced comedies and farces where a chaotic chase, driven by a single prized object, fuels a whirlwind of misunderstandings and lighthearted fun.
The narrative typically begins with a simple premise—a lost ticket, a mistaken identity, a valuable item—that quickly spirals out of control. The plot is propelled by a non-stop chase, often involving multiple parties with conflicting goals, leading to a series of comical encounters, narrow escapes, and fortunate coincidences that resolve happily.
Movies are grouped here for their shared foundation in physical comedy and chase-based plots. They prioritize speed, visual gags, and a sense of playful chaos over deep character study, resulting in a consistently light, frenetic, and optimistic viewing experience.
Playful stories where financial woes and mishaps are the source of fun, not drama.Fans of Le Million will appreciate this collection of comedies that find the fun in misfortune. Discover movies where financial crisis, debt, and rivalry are presented with a light touch, leading to farcical situations and happy resolutions without emotional weight.
The story follows characters facing a seemingly dire situation—often financial—but the tone ensures it never feels threatening. The conflict arises from misunderstandings and rivalries rather than true malice, and the journey to resolution is filled with comedic misadventures that highlight the characters' resilience and charm, culminating in a satisfying, happy ending.
These movies share a unique ability to mine comedy from potential hardship. They are united by a consistently light emotional weight, an optimistic spirit, and a narrative that transforms what could be a drama into a delightful and farcical romp.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Le Million in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Le Million is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Le Million, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Le Million with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Le Million. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Le Million: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Le Million that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Le Million (1931) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
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