Charles, Dead or Alive
Charles mort ou vif
Synopsis
On the 100th anniversary of the founding of a watchmaking company in Geneva, Charles Dé the founder's 50-year-old grandson has had it: he speaks eccentrically to a reporter, recognizing his grandfather as a craftsman and his son as a businessman, but is evasive about himself. He gives his family the slip and moves in with a young couple he meets by chance, doing the cooking, reading, drinking, and engaging in philosophical discussions with them. The young couple comes to love Charles. In secret, he stays in touch with a daughter, and the rest of the family hires a private investigator to find him, setting in motion a business take-over that threatens his Bohemian happiness.
Top Cast
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François Simon
Charles Dé
Marie-Claire Dufour
Adeline
Marcel Robert
Paul
Maya Simon
Marianne Dé, Fille de Charles
André Schmidt
Pierre Dé, Fils de Charles
Jo Excoffier
Reporter de TV
Walter Schochli
Le Détective
Jean-Pierre Moriaud
L'Avocat
Janine Christoffe
La Femme de Chambre
Michèle Martel
Germaine Dé, la Femme de Charles
Martine Simon
Cilette
Liliane Bovard
Jean-Luc Bideau
Le Premier Ambulancier
Francis Reusser
Le Second Infirmier
Antoine Bordier
Le Réceptionniste de l'Hôtel
Pierre Verdan
Le Patron de Bistrot
Release History & Theatrical Window
Locarno Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
August 19, 1972
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Alain Tanner
- Screenplay & Story
- Alain Tanner
- Original Score
- Jacques Olivier
- Original Title
- Charles mort ou vif
- Country of Origin
- Switzerland
- Spoken Languages
- French
- Runtime
- 1h 33m
- Production Studios
- Groupe 5, SRG SSR
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Alain Tanner
Alain Tanner
Jacques Olivier
Renato Berta
Sylvia Bachmann
Alain Tanner
Department Leadership Roster
Alain Tanner
Writer
Alain Tanner
Director
Sylvia Bachmann
Editor
Alain Tanner
Producer
Jacques Olivier
Original Music Composer
Renato Berta
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Charles, Dead or Alive.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Charles, Dead or Alive
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Charles, Dead or Alive about?
On the 100th anniversary of the founding of a watchmaking company in Geneva, Charles Dé the founder's 50-year-old grandson has had it: he speaks eccentrically to a reporter, recognizing his grandfather as a craftsman and his son as a businessman, but is evasive about himself. He gives his family the slip and moves in with a young couple he meets by chance, doing the cooking, reading, drinking, and engaging in philosophical discussions with them. The young couple comes to love Charles. In secret, he stays in touch with a daughter, and the rest of the family hires a private investigator to find him, setting in motion a business take-over that threatens his Bohemian happiness.
Who directed Charles, Dead or Alive?
Charles, Dead or Alive was directed by Alain Tanner.
Who stars in Charles, Dead or Alive?
The principal cast of Charles, Dead or Alive includes François Simon, Marie-Claire Dufour, Marcel Robert, Maya Simon, André Schmidt.
When was Charles, Dead or Alive released and how long is it?
Charles, Dead or Alive was released in 1970 with a total runtime of 1h 33m.
Who composed the musical score for Charles, Dead or Alive?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Charles, Dead or Alive was composed by Jacques Olivier.