Review of Let's Make a Dream (1936) by Emmanuel E — 26 Nov 2016

One of Guitry's earliest films. He would start getting extremely experimental a few months later, but at that time, he was still just making film versions of his own plays. At first, it really looks like a filmed play: one set with the three original stage actors.

Himself in the lead, his wife as the "The Wife" and Raimu as "The Husband." The plot is archetypal: a married woman (Jacqueline Delubac) cheats on her husband (Raimu) with a frisky lover (Guitry) and comedy ensues as they try not to get caught.

But in every way, Guitry is wittier than he seems: what this comedy really mocks is the archetype itself. All the characters are oddly self-aware that they are a stereotype and just try to make the most of it.

And the play part is preceded by introduction packed with the greatest stars of the day, all exchanging Guitry one-liners. While most of the movie is tille more than a filmed play, that introduction scene would only have been possible onscreen.

In a way, it is Guitry's awakening as a film director.