Au Bonheur des Dames

6.8

82 minutes

7/20/1943

Overview

The struggles of a small business owner come to light in this film by director André Cayatte. The proprietor of a fabric shop, M. Baudu faces stiff competition when a department store moves in across the street, the first of its kind in 1860s Paris. On top of the stresses associated with the rival retailer, Baudu’s niece and two nephews take up residence with him after recently being orphaned. The niece, Denise Baudu, sees the writing on the wall for her uncle’s business so she takes a job as a shop girl with his competitor and despite her success the decision does not register well with the family.

Cast List

Michel Simon
as Baudu
Albert Préjean
as Octave Mouret
Blanchette Brunoy
as Denise Baudu
Suzy Prim
as Madame Desforges
Juliette Faber
as Marguerite Vadon, saleswoman
Huguette Vivier
as Clara Prunaire, saleswoman
Santa Relli
as Geneviève Baudu, Baudu's daughter
Catherine Fonteney
as Aurélie L'homme
Jacqueline Gauthier
as Pauline Cugnot, saleswoman in the lingerie department
René Blancard
as Jules Colomban, Baudu's clerk
Georges Chamarat
as Inspector Jouve
Pierre Bertin
as Gaujean, fabric supplier
Maximilienne
as Madame Cabin
Marcelle Rexiane
as Madame Marty
Suzet Maïs
as Countess of Boves
André Reybaz
as Jean Baudu
Jean Tissier
as Emile Bourdoncle
Jean Rigaux
as Baugé, seller
Pierre Labry
as Achille Vingard, locksmith (uncredited)
Dorette Ardenne
as Saleswoman (uncredited)
Odette Barencey
as Madame Bédoré (uncredited)
Paul Barge
as Shopkeeper (uncredited)
Jeannette Batti
as Saleswoman (uncredited)
Jacques Beauvais
as Shopkeeper (uncredited)
Albert Broquin
as Coachman (uncredited)
Charlotte Ecard
as (uncredited)
Gustave Gallet
as Lhomme (uncredited)
Jacques Latrouite
as Pépé Baudu (uncredited)
Palmyre Levasseur
as Handkerchief buyer (uncredit)
Albert Malbert
as Cafe owner (uncredited)
Maurice Marceau
as Employee (uncredited)
Frédéric Moriss
as Count of Boves (uncredited)
Julienne Paroli
as Shopkeeper (uncredited)
Rambauville
as Favier (uncredited)
Roger Vincent
as Shopkeeper (uncredited)