Monsieur Batignole

(2002)Directed by Gérard Jugnot100 minComedy, Drama

In 1942, in an occupied Paris, the apolitical grocer Edmond Batignole lives with his wife and daughter in a small apartment in the building of his grocery. When his future son-in-law and collaborator of the German Pierre-Jean Lamour calls the Nazis to arrest the Jewish Bernstein family, they move to the confiscated apartment. Some days later, the young Simon Bernstein escapes from the Germans and comes to his former home. When Batignole finds him, he feels sorry for the boy and lodges him, hiding Simon from Pierre-Jean and also from his wife. Later, two cousins of Simon meet him in the cellar of the grocery. When Pierre-Jean finds the children, Batignole decides to travel with the children to Switzerland.

Gérard Jugnotas Edmond Batignole
Jules Sitrukas Simon Bernstein
Michèle Garciaas Marguerite Batignole
Jean-Paul Rouveas Pierre-Jean Lamour
Alexia Portalas Micheline Batignole
Violette Blanckaertas Sarah Cohen
Daphné Baiwiras Guila Cohen
Götz Burgeras SS Col. Spreich
Hubert Saint-Macaryas Gendarmerie lieutenant
Daniel Martinas Brigadier Albert
Nadine Spinozaas Rachel Bernstein
Philippe du Janerandas René, administrator
Marie-Gaëlle Calsas Edwige
Flannan Obéas Paul
Karine Pinoteauas Nurse on the train
Didier Lafayeas Village informant
Christophe Rouzaudas Village priest
Sylvie Herbertas Cohens' concierge in Montmartre
Roland Marchisioas Deposit keeper
Arthur Jugnotas Arthur
Eric Civanyanas Gallery owner
Michel Dodaneas Neighbor on the train