The Story of a Cheat (1936)

Celebrating his 54th birthday in solitude at a quaint café, a seasoned deceiver takes a whimsical trip down memory lane. Orphaned at the tender age of 12 when a deadly feast of poison mushrooms claimed his family, he narrowly escaped the grim reaper's grasp by virtue of a petty theft and subsequent punishment. His life took a turn for the worse when he was swindled out of his inheritance by a conniving cousin, prompting him to venture out into the world to carve out his destiny. Fate led him to various jobs, from a humble hotel porter to a decorated doorman, each intermingling with his knack for deceit and charm. Believing he had completed his military service, he was unexpectedly thrust into the trenches of World War I, where a chance encounter with the enigmatic Charbonnier, who saved his life, added a twist to his tale. Amidst his adventurous escapades, he found himself entangled with a dazzling blonde jewel thief, whose allure was as captivating as her profession. When fear got the better of him, he fled, only to find himself irresistibly drawn to a striking brunette gambler while spinning the roulette wheel as a croupier. His life took a turn for the romantic when he met his beloved wife in the glitzy world of casinos. However, his seemingly charmed life took a downturn when false accusations of cheating at the casino cost him his job. Resilient, he turned his misfortune into opportunity by embracing his inherent talent for cheating at cards. His life, a whirlwind of women, wit, and whimsy, took an unexpected turn when a surprise encounter veered him back onto the path of honesty. Yet, with temptation lurking in every corner, he found himself contemplating a return to the only profession he truly mastered - the art of deception.

The Story of a Cheat is a comedy movie featuring Gaston Dupray.

The Story of a Cheat is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.