Promotion canapé

Promotion canapé

Year: 1990

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: French

Director: Didier Kaminka

Comedy

Two women who want a raise, realize that they can easily get what they want, if they sleep with their boss.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Promotion canapé (1990)

Trace every key event in Promotion canapé (1990) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Arrival in Paris and rough PTT training

Two young women relocate to Paris to work at the PTT, hoping the job will launch their careers. They quickly realize that advancement often depends on compromising with superiors. The gritty, overcrowded loft they share hints at the harsh reality ahead.

early career Paris, PTT training facility
2

Trainer attempts to seduce Catherine

During training, a trainer targets Catherine with unwanted advances, and she refuses. The climate of coercion soon becomes clear as the same trainer rapes another candidate. The women witness the abuse as they try to navigate the system.

during training PTT training center
3

Carole’s trap lands Catherine in sorting

On their first day, Carole’s jealousy triggers a trap that derails them. Catherine is punished by being assigned to the sorting office instead of the counter. This marks the start of the power plays that will shape their careers.

first day PTT sorting office
4

Catherine seduces her chief inspector

Catherine leverages the precarious situation to seduce her chief inspector. The affair pays off with a promotion, signaling a shift in how influence is wielded within the organization. Her ambition grows as she climbs the ladder.

after training ministry/office
5

Eviction and a restaurant plan

Françoise and Catherine are evicted from their apartment, forcing them to discuss their situation over a meal. In the restaurant, Catherine explains they are on a social services blacklist and must use strategy to secure housing.

shortly after eviction restaurant
6

Françoise refuses a social services bargain

Françoise visits the social services office to obtain a cheap apartment but refuses to sleep with the official offering it. Her integrity creates tension, yet she remains determined to secure a better future without compromising herself.

after 5 social services office
7

Catherine secures the lease via seduction

Catherine returns to the social services office and seduces the civil servant, securing the lease for both women. The pair’s pragmatic approach to advancement tightens their bond and accelerates their gains.

after 6 social services office
8

Françoise meets André and discovers Bernard

Françoise meets André at work and is introduced to Bernard, a powerful senior civil servant. This connection opens a potential new path to influence and status within the government.

after 7 André’s place
9

Bernard’s attempted seduction and Catherine’s surprise

Bernard tries to pursue Françoise, but she escapes. When she returns home, she finds André asleep with Catherine, triggering a conflicting dynamic that will shape their next moves.

after 8 Bernard's house
10

Françoise returns to Bernard and rises fast

Following Catherine’s advice, Françoise returns to Bernard’s house, and their arrangement quickly catapults her toward a ministry-level promotion. The alliance demonstrates how personal relations drive career advancement.

after 9 Bernard's house
11

Public image plan: DOM-TOM trip envisaged

Minister Loubeau worries about his public standing and agrees to a plan proposed by Françoise to visit the DOM-TOM to attract journalists. The scheme illustrates how media attention is weaponized in politics.

lead-up to trip Paris, ministry planning
12

Airport setback and Martinique pivot

At the airport, there are no journalists, and another minister dominates the scene. Loubeau cancels the trip and instead opts to go to Martinique with Françoise, reframing their strategy around a direct public appearance.

immediately before trip Paris airport
13

Martinique vacation turns tense

On a quiet Martinique beach, a delinquent steals their car, forcing the couple to walk to find help. They call the authorities and the doctor contacts the Prefecture, complicating their attempt to stay under the radar.

during vacation Martinique
14

Staged kidnapping plan yields headlines

The postman joins the scheme, and Françoise proposes filming their alleged kidnapping to attract media attention. The plan succeeds in generating headlines and boosting both Loubeau and Françoise's profiles, while also amplifying the independence movement’s visibility.

during pivotal moment Martinique/dispensary area
15

Françoise ascends to Post Minister; Élysée reveal

Back in Paris, Françoise becomes Post Minister and witnesses a wave of promotions among former colleagues. Catherine remains Director, and the final twist shows Françoise being welcomed into the Élysée Palace, signaling her ultimate ascent to power.

end of story Paris, Élysée Palace

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:05

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Promotion canapé Summary

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Promotion canapé Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Promotion canapé

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Promotion canapé

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