Invited in the program “Seven days of the world” over 60 years ago, Fernandel had returned to his career, notably referring to competition from television in the face of cinemas.
More than 12 million admissions with the little world of Don Camillo, nearly 9 million with the cow and the prisoner, just over 6 million with the butter cuisine …
During his long and wealthy career, Fernandel was able to bring together entire crowds around his films, chaining commercial successes and filling the dark rooms on numerous occasions. It is estimated that in all, it would have attracted more than 200 million spectators to the cinema. A real feat that only other legends such as Louis de Funès, Bourvil and Jean Gabin can claim to equal.
“We have to make great films”
However, in the early 1960s, when television was taking up more and more space in the life of the French, the latter sometimes preferring the comfort of their sofa to the magic of red armchairs, Fernandel was also fully aware of this new use, and the additional efforts that cinema would undoubtedly have to provide its audience.
His secret? Continue to make great films, as he had declared it on the show Seven days of the worldbroadcast on RTF, starting a reflection which, 60 years later, in the time of the Internet and the streaming platforms, has never been so current.
“I think with [la] television, for cinema, we have to make great films “had he started by declaring, looking away from the journalist to speak directly to the camera.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29ptmzuq5m8
“You have to bother yourself”
“”(…) It is up to you, viewers, that I am addressing at the moment. You see, I tell you about your eyes in my eyes because I'm not afraid, I'm like that! Well, I'm a viewer, although cinema. (…) You have to live with your time, and follow progress. “
“I know that when you see a good film, you will see it. But you have to bother yourself, because you see beautiful shows on television. Not always, of course. As in the cinema, there are not always good films. But when there is something good [à la télévision]you stay at home. When there is something good in the cinema, you leave your home. This is the pleasure I wish. “
“Great films”, Fernandel offered us dozens, from Don Camillo to the Red Inn via Happy who like Ulysses.
(Re) Discover the trailer of the “little world of Don Camillo” …
