The Story of a Cheat
Seen it?1936 | 81 min | Comedy, Crime
Weeknight Watchearly ratingWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With almost no lasting buzz and mixed reviews, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime fans and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Take the Money and Run or Family Plot, start here.
- The mood
- Light and funny.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 21 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Made in 1936: an older pace and style.
Life story of a charming scoundrel, with little dialogue other than the star/director's witty narration. As a boy, only he survives a family tragedy when he's deprived of supper (poisonous mushrooms!) for stealing...concluding that dishonesty pays. Through years of dabbling in crime and amusing adventures, two women appear and reappear in his life, a dazzling blonde jewel thief and a stunning brunette gambler. Finally, he meets the mysterious Charbonnier who had saved his life in World War I, leading to the surprising next phase in his career...
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
Mixed reviews
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 3K people sought it out in the past year
More like this
Take the Money and Run
Saturday SpecialAnother crime comedy that's easy to miss.
Family Plot Saturday SpecialAnother crime comedy that's easy to miss.
One Night at McCool's Weeknight WatchAnother crime comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Welcome to Collinwood Weeknight WatchAnother crime comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera Weeknight WatchAnother crime story, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Sacha Guitry
- Sacha Guitryle tricheur
- Jacqueline Delubacla femme
- Marguerite Morenol'aventurière
- Pauline CartonMadame Moriot
- Rosine Deréanla voleuse professionnelle
- Fréhella rouquine, chanteuse du beuglant
- Elmire Vautierla comtesse Beauchamp (jeune)
- Serge Gravele tricheur (petit garçon)
- Pierre Assole tricheur (jeune homme)
- Roger DuchesneSerge Abramitch