Word: pagnol
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Dates: during 1930-1930
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Marseilles is a work of Marcel Pagnol (Topaze), originally titled Marius. One reason for the acclaim which the play received in Paris was the Provençal dialect of most of its actors. This effect, of course, is completely lacking in the U. S. production, somewhat limiting the power of the original play which was largely a collection of swift, thoroughgoing character sketches. The action takes place in a waterfront saloon, the son (Alexander Kirkland) of whose ponderous proprietor (Dudley Digges) is sea-struck. He must choose between going to the South Seas and remaining with his sweetheart (Frances Torchiana...
...play was adapted by Benn W. Levy from the French of Marcel Pagnol. It is a preposterous fable about an incredible ass. But its exaggerations are those of a sophisticate who embellishes his careless satires with delicately hilarious details. Frank Morgan as M. Topaze apparently does not mind the fact that his role is basically unbelievable. He makes the figure by turns pitiful and ridiculous and frequently almost real. It is perhaps the most enjoyable of his many fine performances. Phoebe Foster is sleek and chiselled, a decorative element without which the play would not have been properly translated...