In Old Alsace

Based on a novel whose writers (Erckmann and Chatrian are two persons) are a little forgotten today .So is the book.

The film is as old-fashioned and as obsolete as the folk costumes or as the songs which make the viewer feel he is watching an operetta and put his fingers in his ears when L'Ami Fritz sings a little song for Suzel.

The story is a big bore ; Fritz is a wealthy heir ,a confirmed bachelor ,a bon vivant who enjoys his food ,which he shares with his mates from his singles club where girls and women are only admitted as cooks and servants. Fritz ,chubby and plump, is good friends with a rabbi -Charles Lami's performance gets on one's nerves ,as each of his scenes end with a little chuckle of satisfaction- who would love to see him married .

The best thing in this mediocre flick is the way all the religions in the village (Jews, Catholics,Protestants,Anabaptists) live in harmony.Actually ,although he fell recklessly head over hills with Suzel , the problem is not a matter of religion ,but of social class;as he is a wealthy land owner, -the farm where his sweetheart's daddy works belongs to him- ,he thinks that he has a higher standing than her .

That's old hat!