Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century
Candide ou l’optimisme au XXᵉ siècle
Synopsis
Charming and innocent, Candide is vigorously chased away by the Baron, for his close encounters with the pretty Cunégonde. World War II breaks out, and when he is drafted and taken prisoner, he is forced to take German nationality and ends up guarding the camp where he was imprisoned. He crossed into Switzerland, but as he had no bank account, he was incarcerated for eight days for trespassing. Hunted by the Gestapo, he kills two men to free Cunégonde, who has finally been found. They both flee to Argentina, and their world tour begins. In Paris, Moscow, New York, Borneo and Alexandria. They try to follow Dr. Pangloss' optimistic rule of life. Tossed about, separated, they find themselves grown old and wiser, thinking only of cultivating their garden on the shores of the Mediterranean.
Top Cast
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Jean-Pierre Cassel
Candide
Daliah Lavi
Cunégonde
Pierre Brasseur
Pangloss
Louis de Funès
Officier de la Gestapo
Michel Simon
Colonel Nanar, du cadre de réserve
Jean Poiret
Le premier policier / Policeman
Michel Serrault
Le second policier / Policeman
Jean Tissier
Le docteur Jacques
Luis Mariano
Un dictateur sud américain / South American Dictator
Nadia Gray
La dame de compagnie / Dame
Mathilde Casadesus
La baronne de Thunder-Ten-Tronck
Darío Moreno
Un dictateur sud américain / South American Dictator
Clément Duhour
Jacqueline Maillan
Mrs. Jim, la mère puritaine
Jacques Balutin
L'ordonnance
Jean Richard
Le trafiquant du marché noir / Black Marketeer
Albert Simonin
Le major Simpson / Major Simpson
Robert Manuel
German Officer
Release History & Theatrical Window
November 19, 1962
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Norbert Carbonnaux
- Screenplay & Story
- Norbert Carbonnaux, Albert Simonin, Voltaire
- Original Score
- Hubert Rostaing
- Original Title
- Candide ou l’optimisme au XXᵉ siècle
- Country of Origin
- France
- Spoken Languages
- French
- Runtime
- 1h 28m
- Production Studios
- Courts et Longs Métrages (C.L.M.), Société Nouvelle Pathé Cinéma
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Norbert Carbonnaux
Norbert Carbonnaux, Albert Simonin, Voltaire
Hubert Rostaing
Robert Lefebvre
Paulette Robert
Clément Duhour
Department Leadership Roster
Norbert Carbonnaux
Director
Robert Lefebvre
Director of Photography
Jean Douarinou
Production Design
Pierre Nourry
Costume Design
Paulette Robert
Editor
Clément Duhour
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
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Louis de Funès 🇨🇵
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Frequently Asked Questions About Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century about?
Charming and innocent, Candide is vigorously chased away by the Baron, for his close encounters with the pretty Cunégonde. World War II breaks out, and when he is drafted and taken prisoner, he is forced to take German nationality and ends up guarding the camp where he was imprisoned. He crossed into Switzerland, but as he had no bank account, he was incarcerated for eight days for trespassing. Hunted by the Gestapo, he kills two men to free Cunégonde, who has finally been found. They both flee to Argentina, and their world tour begins. In Paris, Moscow, New York, Borneo and Alexandria. They try to follow Dr. Pangloss' optimistic rule of life. Tossed about, separated, they find themselves grown old and wiser, thinking only of cultivating their garden on the shores of the Mediterranean.
Who directed Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century?
Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century was directed by Norbert Carbonnaux.
Who stars in Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century?
The principal cast of Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century includes Jean-Pierre Cassel, Daliah Lavi, Pierre Brasseur, Louis de Funès, Michel Simon.
When was Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century released and how long is it?
Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century was released in 1960 with a total runtime of 1h 28m.
Who composed the musical score for Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century was composed by Hubert Rostaing.
Is Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century based on a book or true story?
Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Voltaire".
What is the age rating and content advisory for Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century?
Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century holds official age classifications: FR: TP.