Watch The Story of a Cheat

The Story of a Cheat is a 1936 French film directed by and starring Sacha Guitry. The movie tells the story of a young boy, François (played by Guitry), who grows up to become a masterful liar and cheat. The film begins with François as a young boy. He is caught telling a lie and punished by his father. This experience sets him on a path of becoming a professional liar. As he grows up, he becomes more and more adept at deceiving people.

François's first big scam involves taking the blame for a classmate's expulsion from school. The headmaster, impressed with François's honesty, decides to take him under his wing. François quickly learns that he can get away with anything as long as he's truthful about it. This lesson serves him well throughout his life.

As a young man, François enters into a series of lucrative business deals that leave his partners in ruin. He always manages to escape blame by telling the truth, even if it means throwing others under the bus. His success as a cheat allows him to live a lavish lifestyle, but he's never truly happy.

Throughout the film, François struggles with the consequences of his dishonesty. His father disowns him, and his marriage fails due to his infidelity. He also realizes that he's isolated himself from true friends and family. Despite all of this, he continues to cheat and lie, convinced that it's the only way to get ahead.

The movie's tone is light-hearted and comedic, with Guitry's character often breaking the fourth wall to address the audience directly. The film is shot in black and white, with some scenes accompanied by a playful and jaunty score.

The Story of a Cheat is a morality tale about the consequences of dishonesty. François's rise and fall serve as a warning about the dangers of taking shortcuts and exploiting others for personal gain. The movie also asks us to examine the role of truth in our lives. François's success as a cheat is due in large part to his ability to be honest about his dishonesty. It's a reminder that honesty is not just about telling the truth, but about living an authentic and moral life.

Overall, The Story of a Cheat is a charming and funny movie that explores weighty themes. Guitry's performance as François is charismatic and engaging, making it easy to root for him even as he cheats and lies his way through life. The film's ending is both satisfying and poignant, leaving the audience with plenty to think about.