Bout-de-Zan et le crime au téléphone Poster

Bout-de-Zan et le crime au téléphone 1914

7 min📅 1914-01-16

Bout-de-Zan et le crime au téléphone (1914) delivers a delightfully mischievous dose of early silent-film comedy from the legendary Louis Feuillade.

Director: Louis Feuillade

Cast

René Poyen
René Poyen
Renée Carl
Renée Carl

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bout-de-Zan et le crime au téléphone (1914) about?

The film follows a group of amateur actors rehearsing a crime scene in an apartment, unaware that their exaggerated performances are being misheard as real chaos by the building's concierge. Bout-de-Zan, the mischievous youngster, adds a twist by connecting the phone line, amplifying the misunderstanding into a full-blown farce.

Who directed Bout-de-Zan et le crime au téléphone?

Louis Feuillade directed Bout-de-Zan et le crime au téléphone. Feuillade was a pioneer of French silent cinema, best known for his influential serials like Fantômas.

Who stars in Bout-de-Zan et le crime au téléphone?

The main cast includes René Poyen as Bout-de-Zan, Renée Carl, and other unnamed performers in the amateur troupe.

Is Bout-de-Zan et le crime au téléphone (1914) worth watching?

Though unrated, this short silent comedy shines for its playful energy and historical significance. Fans of early cinema and slapstick humor will appreciate its clever simplicity, even if it lacks modern pacing. It's a charming time capsule rather than a must-see masterpiece.

How long is Bout-de-Zan et le crime au téléphone?

Bout-de-Zan et le crime au téléphone runs for 7 minutes.

About Bout-de-Zan et le crime au téléphone (1914) — Louis Feuillade's Early Silent Comedy Classic Explored

Bout-de-Zan et le crime au téléphone (1914) delivers a delightfully mischievous dose of early silent-film comedy from the legendary Louis Feuillade. In this seven-minute short, a playful misunderstanding unfolds when aspiring actors rehearse a crime scene in a neighbor's apartment—only for the boisterous antics to be mistaken by the building's concierge, who believes a real heist is unfolding. Through clever staging and exaggerated gestures, Feuillade crafts a farce rooted in the absurdity of human perception, blending farcical timing with the innocence of early cinema. The film's charm lies in its simplicity, relying on visual wit and the universal thrill of a prank gone delightfully wrong.

Renowned for his contributions to French silent cinema, Feuillade infuses the piece with a lighthearted energy that feels both timeless and distinctly early 20th-century. The young René Poyen shines as Bout-de-Zan, the mischievous instigator who connects the phone line to the concierge's room, turning a harmless rehearsal into a comedic spectacle. With its breezy runtime and infectious humor, Bout-de-Zan et le crime au téléphone offers a snapshot of cinema's playful infancy, where even the simplest gags could spark joy and laughter.