The Most Wanted Man (1953)

The Most Wanted Man Poster
Original Title: L'Ennemi public n°1

Joe Calvert (Fernadel) is a nearsighted, friendly man who works as a clerk in a large department store, who gets into embarrassing situations when he isn't wearing his glasses. Since Joe works in the department that sells cowboy clothes to kids, his boss is adamant against his wearing glasses as cowboys and glasses don't go together. After a series of near-blind misadventures, Joe is fired. Dejected, he goes to the movies and seats himself next to a dangerous gangster and, when he leaves, takes the man's raincoat. In the subway, on a crowded train, he removes a heavy object from coat pocket. It's a gun and the passengers are in a panic and Joe is arrested, and the police announce they have captured Public Enemy No. 1. The leader's mob, unaware that it isn't their boss the police have, plan an escape, with most of the plans made by gun moll Lola (Zsa Zsa Gabor.) Soon, Joe finds both the police and the gangsters after him.

Introduction
"The Most Wanted Man" is a French crime-drama film launched in 1953, initially titled "L'ennemi Public N ° 1". Directed by Henri Verneuil, this film stars Fernandel and Zsa Gabor. This gripping film was appreciated for its plot, performances, and direction. It continues to be a notable entry in the category of crime drama and marked a substantial point in Verneuil's career.

Plot Summary
"The Most Wanted Man" is centered on Joe Calvet, represented outstandingly by Fernandel. Calvet is a struggling salesman who discovers himself in unfortunate scenarios when he unintentionally gets mistaken for a hazardous bad guy - Public Enemy No. 1. The plot thickens and takes an intriguing turn when Calvet himself begins thinking he is, in fact, this well-known lawbreaker. This misunderstanding leads to a series of humorous and dramatic events, which serve as the foundation of the plot.

Characters and Performances
Fernandel, with his unique comical timing and execution of the suspenseful plot, provides a standout performance as a normal man entangled in amazing circumstances. Zsa Gabor as Lili, an appealing yet shrewd siren, adds the ideal amount of suspense and intrigue to complete the plot. These characters play off each other to develop a captivating spectacle of thriller, humor, and drama. The supporting cast also plays an essential function in elevating the story, giving life to the film's harmony of funny and drama.

Direction and Cinematography
Henri Verneuil's direction in "The Most Wanted Man" appropriately echoes the style of crime combined with unpredictability. His use of light and dark colors not simply orchestrates the movie's noir ambiance however likewise clearly emphasizes the characters' emotions. Each scene is meticulously shot with thoughtfully considered cam angles and movements, serving to speed the thriller and evoke suspense and stress within the audience.

Conclusion
Action by action, Calvet's life dramatically alters as he discovers himself more deeply involved in the criminal world. Ultimately, Calvet should face the truth of his scenario, causing a climax that renews his belief in who he truly is, in contrast to the persona he had actually embraced.

Overall, "The Most Wanted Man" from 1953 is an awesome journey of mistaken identity, mixing pathos, humor, and drama seamlessly. It is a movie that successfully encapsulates the idea of a daily man ending up being a pawn in the manipulative game of criminal activity and the battle to recover his identity in the middle of madness, mayhem, and intrigue.

Among the myriad of police procedural movies, "The Most Wanted Man" sticks out for its notable efficiencies by Fernandel and Zsa Gabor, remarkable direction provided by Henri Verneuil, and an engaging storyline that successfully blends elements of crime, drama, and funny to develop an extraordinary cinematic experience. This film acts as an example of vintage crime drama from the 50s and remains significant in the annals of French cinema.

Top Cast

  • Fernandel (small)
    Fernandel
    Joe Calvet
  • Zsa Zsa Gabor (small)
    Zsa Zsa Gabor
    Lola
  • Nicole Maurey (small)
    Nicole Maurey
    Peggy
  • Louis Seigner (small)
    Louis Seigner
    Prison Warden
  • Saturnin Fabre (small)
    Saturnin Fabre
    W.W. Stone
  • Paolo Stoppa (small)
    Paolo Stoppa
    Tony Fallone
  • Alfred Adam (small)
    Alfred Adam
    Sheriff
  • Jean Marchat (small)
    Jean Marchat
    General District Attorney