Les Maîtres-nageurs 1951
In Henri Lepage's 1951 French comedy classic *Les Maîtres-nageurs*, a wealthy industrialist keeps a precarious balance between his legitimate family and three secret mistresses—each financially dependent on his double life.
Director: Henri Lepage
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Les Maîtres-nageurs (1951) about?
This 1951 French comedy follows a married industrialist whose double life—juggling three mistresses and shady financial schemes—unravels when his wife intervenes. His desperate attempt to go straight only highlights how deeply everyone, including his family, relies on his deceptions. The film becomes a witty exploration of hypocrisy and compromise in post-war society.
Who directed Les Maîtres-nageurs?
Henri Lepage directed *Les Maîtres-nageurs*. While not as widely celebrated as some of his contemporaries, Lepage crafted a sharp, understated satire that remains a standout in French comedy.
Who stars in Les Maîtres-nageurs?
The film features Mireille Perrey, Armand Bernard, Jean Tissier, Jules Berry, and Charles Dechamps in pivotal roles.
Is Les Maîtres-nageurs (1951) worth watching?
Though not a household name today, *Les Maîtres-nageurs* offers a delightful blend of classic French wit and subtle social commentary. Fans of vintage comedies with layered humor and moral ambiguity will find it rewarding—especially if viewed as a snapshot of early 1950s France.
How long is Les Maîtres-nageurs?
The runtime for *Les Maîtres-nageurs* is 95 minutes.
About Les Maîtres-nageurs (1951) — A Sharp French Comedy of Lies and Greed
In Henri Lepage's 1951 French comedy classic *Les Maîtres-nageurs*, a wealthy industrialist keeps a precarious balance between his legitimate family and three secret mistresses—each financially dependent on his double life. When his wife, tipped off by a suspicious tax inspector, seizes his incriminating notebook, the industrialist vows to abandon his deceitful ways and cut ties with his lovers. Yet his drastic plan backfires spectacularly, revealing that everyone, from his wife to his mistresses themselves, thrives on the chaos of his lies. What begins as a desperate attempt at redemption spirals into a farce of compromised morals and reluctant partnerships.
Beneath the film's breezy façade lies a sharp satire of social hypocrisy, where greed and convenience govern relationships as much as finances. Mireille Perrey and Armand Bernard lead a stellar cast that navigates the film's witty yet biting tone, offering a snapshot of post-war France where morality is negotiable and everyone has a price. The result is a gem of French comedy that blends lighthearted humor with a surprisingly modern critique of systemic complicity.