The Story:
In this pioneering 1937 French fantasy-comedy François Premier directed by Christian-Jaque, naive stage manager Honorin (Fernandel) of the Cascaroni troupe dreams of playing the cavalier in their Renaissance play Francis I but is thrust onstage only to suffer paralyzing fright, prompting his friend Cagliostro to hypnotize him into a deep trance that hurls him back to the 1520 court of King Francis I (Aimé Simon-Girard) armed with his Petit Larousse encyclopedia to predict destinies like La Palice’s, reveal mortadella recipes, teach tango and bridge, and earn Duke status from King Henry VIII (Alexandre Rignault).
His uncanny knowledge breeds jealousy among scheming courtiers who frame him for witchcraft and sorcery, delivering him to the Inquisition for absurd torture by goat licking his soles until explosive laughter erupts.
Awakening safely in his own era, Honorin (Fernandel) gains hilarious gratitude for modern life’s comforts in this vintage anachronistic romp that teases history’s perils with timeless comedic charm.
