Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century
Synopsis
Charming and innocent, Candide is vigorously chased away by the Baron, for his close encounters with the pretty Cunégonde. World War II breaks out, and when he is drafted and taken prisoner, he is forced to take German nationality and ends up guarding the camp where he was imprisoned. He crossed into Switzerland, but as he had no bank account, he was incarcerated for eight days for trespassing. Hunted by the Gestapo, he kills two men to free Cunégonde, who has finally been found. They both flee to Argentina, and their world tour begins. In Paris, Moscow, New York, Borneo and Alexandria. They try to follow Dr. Pangloss' optimistic rule of life. Tossed about, separated, they find themselves grown old and wiser, thinking only of cultivating their garden on the shores of the Mediterranean.
Where to watch
Not currently available to stream in United States.
Top cast
Jean-Pierre Cassel
Candide
Daliah Lavi
Cunégonde
Pierre Brasseur
Pangloss
Louis de Funès
Officier de la Gestapo
Michel Simon
Colonel Nanar, du cadre de réserve
Jean Poiret
Le premier policier / Policeman
Michel Serrault
Le second policier / Policeman
Jean Tissier
Le docteur Jacques
Luis Mariano
Un dictateur sud américain / South American Dictator
Nadia Gray
La dame de compagnie / Dame