A comedic mystery investigation revealing secrets behind apartment building facades
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
The Elevator Mystery
The discovery of Madame Mathieu's body launches an investigation by two rival inspectors.
Key Events
Body Discovery — Elderly woman's body found in elevator Characters: Commissioner Boucheron, Inspector LambertLocation: Elevator
Investigation Begins — Rival inspectors start their investigation Characters: Commissioner Boucheron, Inspector LambertLocation: Building Entrance
Building-wide Interrogations
Inspectors interview residents while uncovering hidden affairs and secrets among the tenants.
Key Events
Suspect Interviews — Interviewing residents of both buildings Characters: Commissioner Boucheron, Inspector Lambert, Alfredo d'Avila, Gaby ValroseLocation: Various Apartments
Secret Affairs Revealed — Discovery of multiple affairs among residents Characters: Commissioner Boucheron, Inspector Lambert, Mrs. Rameau, Alfredo d'AvilaLocation: Courtyard
Knife Artist Performance — Picking's suspicious knife-throwing act Characters: Commissioner Boucheron, Inspector Lambert, PickingLocation: Performance Hall
Kleptomaniac Caught — Mr. Corbeau caught stealing from residents Characters: Commissioner Boucheron, Inspector Lambert, Mr. CorbeauLocation: Apartment Hallway
The Web of Deceit
Multiple suspects emerge as inspectors discover connections between residents and hidden motives.
Key Events
Young Lovers Confrontation — Questioning the young couple about their alibis Characters: Commissioner Boucheron, Inspector Lambert, Madeleine Martin, André LaurentLocation: Bank Apartment
Singer's Secret Exposed — Lydia's affair with the president revealed Characters: Commissioner Boucheron, Inspector Lambert, LydiaLocation: Nightclub
Facade Search — Thorough search of building exteriors Characters: Commissioner Boucheron, Inspector LambertLocation: Building Facade
Facade Unveiled
The truth behind the murder is revealed as inspectors piece together the final clues.
Key Events
Facade Search — Thorough search of building exteriors Characters: Commissioner Boucheron, Inspector LambertLocation: Building Facade
Final Confrontation — Revealing the true killer and motive Characters: Commissioner Boucheron, Inspector Lambert, Alfredo d'Avila, Mrs. RameauLocation: Madame Mathieu's Apartment
Story Breakdown
The Crime — Madame Mathieu's murder in the elevator
Victim — Building owner with many secrets
Discovery — Found by telegraph operator
Initial Investigation — Rival inspectors called to the scene
Suspects — Building residents with hidden motives
Alfredo d'Avila — Dancer with multiple affairs
Mrs. Rameau — Industrialist's wife with secret lover
Gaby Valrose — Minister's lover
Picking — Knife-throwing artist
Mr. Corbeau — Kleptomaniac tenant
Madeleine & André — Young lovers
Lydia — Singer with presidential affair
Investigation — Rival inspectors uncover building secrets
Boucheron & Lambert — Competing inspectors
Building Search — Exploring all floors and hidden spaces
Secret Uncovered — Revealing hidden affairs and motives
Resolution — Solving the murder mystery
Final Confrontation — Revealing the killer
Motive Exposed — Understanding the crime's reason
Justice Served — Criminal apprehended
In the elevator of two large Parisian buildings, a telegraph operator discovers the body of an elderly woman, Madame Mathieu, the owner of both buildings. Boucheron, the local superintendent, is dispatched to investigate, along with his rival, Inspector Lambert of the "Sûreté". To solve the enigma, they scour staircases and corridors, visiting every floor of both buildings, courtyard and facade. Their gruff rivalry allows them to complement each other in discovering who committed the crime among a gallery of characters, humble or rich, who all have something to be ashamed of... A rare, fast-paced, picturesque comedy set against the backdrop of a police mystery.
Directed by
Yves Mirande, Georges Lacombe
Key Cast
Lucien Baroux — Commissioner Boucheron, district police officer
