In the elevator of two large Parisian buildings, a telegraph operator discovers the body of an elderly woman, Madame Mathieu, the owner of both buildings. Boucheron, the local superintendent, is dispatched to investigate, along with his rival, Inspector Lambert of the "Sûreté". To solve the enigma, they scour staircases and corridors, visiting every floor of both buildings, courtyard and facade. Their gruff rivalry allows them to complement each other in discovering who committed the crime among a gallery of characters, humble or rich, who all have something to be ashamed of... A rare, fast-paced, picturesque comedy set against the backdrop of a police mystery.
as Commissioner Boucheron, district police officer
as Inspector Lambert of the Sûreté
as Alfredo d'Avila, dancer of these ladies
as Gaby Valrose, minister's lover
as Mrs. Rameau, wife of an industrialist and mistress of Alfredo
as Picking, knife-throwing artist
as Mr. Corbeau, kleptomaniac
as Madeleine Martin, in love with André
as André Laurent, bank cashier, lover of Madeleine
as Lydia, singer at “Perroquet”, mistress of the President
as Eric, German naturalized French
as English, Albert's companion, Eric's mistress
as Albert Durant, stockbroker and poker player
as Joséphine, chicken trainer, wife of Picking
as Concierge of the two buildings
as Judge Bernier, President of the Court of Appeal
as Robert Bernier, eldest son of the President
as Gérard Bernier, youngest son of the President
as Owner of the "Perroquet" and the festivities upstairs
as Mrs. Bernier, wife of the President
as Telegraphist who discovered the corpse
as Brigadier
as Soldier, confined in the room of a “country”
as Marie, Lydia's dresser
as Tenant
as Gaby's gigolo
as Madame Mathieu's maid
as Mr. Martin, blind, father of Madeleine
as Paulette
as Jules, government minister and Gaby's lover
as Taxi driver (uncredited)
as Taxi driver (uncredited)
as Agent (uncredited)
as Agent (uncredited)
as Agent (uncredited)
as Pianist of the “Perroquet” (uncredited)
as Bum on the bench (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
