MovieChat Forums > Topaze (1951) Discussion > Does this version have English subtitles...

Does this version have English subtitles? And--

posted 8 years ago by Bob Pr.
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And, in addition to my question about English subtitles in the caption header -- in the 1933 Barrymore & Loy version, Topaze is changed to a chemistry teacher and the product sold is "Sparkling Topaze" a health-inducing water that's really only tap water. But in Pagnol's play, the product Topaze was to "front" was motorized street sweepers.

I would imagine Pagnol as film director would stick closer to the plot in his play. Does he? And what changes does he make in this movie from his play?

ALSO, has anyone seen both the Barrymore/Loy version AND this? How would you compare them?

[–] Bob Pr. 8 years ago

I ordered this 1951 version directed by Pagnol and found it DOES have English subtitles; (I figured I could send it back if it was not listed on the package but it is). We haven't seen this yet -- we'll see it May 3rd and, after viewing it, I'll post some comments about similarities and differences/

[–] Bob Pr. 8 years ago

This does have quite adequate English subtitles.

I agree completely with the (only) 2 user reviews posted -- great cast, superb acting, great story development. While the 1933 Barrymore & Loy film is entertaining (and much shorter), this Pagnol movie version of his play sticks much more closely to his original 1920 play. The story and its unfolding are much richer (and longer). The analogy between an amusing cartoon strip vs. an entertaining, thoughtful short story keeps occurring to me as an analogy to the difference between the Barrymore and the Fernandel versions. PLUS it's remarkable how applicable the storyline is to many politicians and businessmen today, 96 years after Pagnol's play first appeared.