The Five Cents of Lavarede Poster

The Five Cents of Lavarede 1939

★ 5.33 votes125 min📅 1939-03-07

In the 1939 French adventure-comedy *The Five Cents of Lavarede*, Fernandel stars as the ever-resourceful Max Lavarède, who finds himself trapped in an extraordinary bet: circumnavigate the globe on just five cents while adhering to strict rules that...

Director: Maurice Cammage

Cast

Fernandel
Fernandel
Armand Lavarède
Josette Day
Josette Day
Miss Aurett Murlington
Andrex
Andrex
Jim Strong
Félix Oudart
Félix Oudart
Captain of the freighter Heaven Way
André Roanne
André Roanne
Jim Strong
Henri Nassiet
Henri Nassiet
Jack
Albert Duvaleix
Albert Duvaleix
Maître Panabert
Geymond Vital
Geymond Vital
Policeman
Jacques Henley
Jacques Henley
Officer of the Normandie
Georges Cahuzac

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Five Cents of Lavarede (1939) about?

This 1939 French comedy follows Max Lavarède, played by Fernandel, as he attempts to travel the world using only a five-cent coin—without spending it. Tasked with inheriting a fortune upon completion, he's shadowed by supervisors determined to enforce the rules. His journey becomes a series of comedic mishaps and clever schemes as he races against time and geography.

Who directed The Five Cents of Lavarede?

Maurice Cammage directed this zany adventure-comedy, known for blending physical humor with lighthearted storytelling.

Who stars in The Five Cents of Lavarede?

Fernandel headlines the cast as Max Lavarède, joined by Josette Day as his on-screen counterpart, alongside Andréx, Félix Oudart, and André Roanne in pivotal roles.

Is The Five Cents of Lavarede (1939) worth watching?

Absolutely—if you love classic comedies with a dash of adventure. Fernandel's infectious energy and the film's inventive premise make it a delightful watch, even if it's a bit dated by modern standards. Its charm lies in the absurdity of the challenge and the humor born from Lavarède's relentless ingenuity.

How long is The Five Cents of Lavarede?

The film runs for 125 minutes, offering plenty of time for laughs and escapades across the globe.

About The Five Cents of Lavarede (1939) — Fernandel's Hilarious Global Gamble with Just Five Cents

In the 1939 French adventure-comedy *The Five Cents of Lavarede*, Fernandel stars as the ever-resourceful Max Lavarède, who finds himself trapped in an extraordinary bet: circumnavigate the globe on just five cents while adhering to strict rules that forbid spending a single penny. The catch? A sizable inheritance awaits him—if he succeeds. Shadowed by two relentless supervisors, Lavarède's journey becomes a whirlwind of escapades, cultural clashes, and barely contained chaos, blending slapstick humor with the spirit of Jules Verne's globetrotting tales. Directed by Maurice Cammage, this film transforms a seemingly impossible mission into a comedic odyssey filled with wit, charm, and Fernandel's signature antics.

Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century travel—think steamships, bustling ports, and steamy train stations—the movie captures the thrill of adventure while poking fun at the absurdity of its premise. Themes of perseverance, cleverness, and a dash of rebellion shine through as Lavarède navigates everything from language barriers to unexpected detours, all while keeping his coin—his lifeline—intact. With Josette Day as his spirited co-star and a supporting cast that includes the dynamic Andréx and the ever-reliable Félix Oudart, *The Five Cents of Lavarede* delivers a lighthearted yet engaging escape for fans of classic comedies and high-stakes misadventures.