A Flea in Her Ear

A Flea in Her Ear is a colorful and vivacious adaptation of the classic French farce of the same name written by Georges Feydeau, which is often celebrated as an exemplary work of the genre. Directed by Jacques Charon, a man known for his deftness with comedic materials, the movie boasts a stellar cast that includes the inimitable Rex Harrison, the charming Rosemary Harris, and the suave Louis Jourdan. This 1968 cinematic adaptation pits its characters in a delightful comedy of errors, misunderstandings, and mistaken identities, encapsulating a blend of wit and slapstick that keeps the audience on their toes through a series of synchronized comic events.

The plot of A Flea in Her Ear revolves around the social elite of Paris at the turn of the 20th century, replete with opulent costumes and grandiose sets that recreate the luxury and excess of the era. The story kicks off with the character of Victor Chandebisse, played by Rex Harrison, who is a well-off and respected insurance executive leading a comfortable and seemingly uneventful life with his beautiful wife Gabrielle, portrayed by Rosemary Harris. Their matrimony, however, is met with a jarring jolt when Gabrielle begins to suspect that Victor is leading a double life and having an affair due to his inexplicable behavior and a misinterpreted piece of evidence.

Determined to confirm her suspicions, Gabrielle concocts a bold plan: she sends an anonymous love letter to her husband, hoping to catch him in the act. The scheme is to arrange a rendezvous at the notorious Frisky Puss Hotel, a place with a reputation for being the epicenter of Parisian infidelity, teeming with quirky and lascivious characters seeking illicit romance and secretive escapades.

As Gabrielle's convoluted plan becomes operational, a flurry of comedic chaos erupts. The letter inadvertently sets off a chain reaction of comic misunderstandings, as it falls into multiple hands including Victor's bachelor friend Tournel, played by Louis Jourdan. Tournel, who is unaware of the letter’s origins yet harbors his own affection for the unsuspecting Gabrielle, seizes this opportunity to declare his feelings, sparking further complications.

As Victor aims to get to the bottom of this chicanery, he calls upon his valet, Poche, a hapless and inebriated doppelganger who happens to be his spitting image. The movie uses this uncanny resemblance to its comical advantage, leading to situations where characters interchange, identities are mistaken, and the resulting antics leave viewers in a joyous tangle of laughter.

This delightful confusion is a veritable ballet of physical humor and sharp one-liners, effectively maneuvering the broad array of characters through the secret doors, revolving beds, and misunderstanding-packed rooms that symbolize the farce genre. The director Charon orchestrates the mayhem with a deft touch, ensuring that while the audience may see the larger picture, the characters remain blissfully oblivious to their own folly until the last possible moment.

A Flea in Her Ear indulges in the kind of high society mockery that has timelessly entertained audiences, alongside the straightforward amusement derived from its more farcical elements. It is an investigation of marital issues, trust, and infidelity, albeit approached with a satirical and light-hearted perspective that ensures the subject matter doesn’t burden the viewers but rather keeps them engaged and amused.

The production design of A Flea in Her Ear is equally important, masterfully creating a seductive and yet comical version of Paris that plays a character in its own right. The lavish and meticulous attention to detail, from the elaborate hats of the ladies to the mechanical marvels decorating the Frisky Puss, paints not just a backdrop for the actors but a vibrant, practically tactile setting that lends depth and texture to this whimsical narrative.

Lastly, the performances are key to the success of this cinematic farce. Rex Harrison provides a dual role with impeccable comedic timing, while Rosemary Harris finds a balance between the aggrieved wife and the cunning strategist. Louis Jourdan, with his debonair appeal, adds an extra layer of charm, and together they form a trifecta that carries the plot forward with energy and style.

A Flea in Her Ear is a joyous romp that utilizes the talents of its high-caliber cast and creative team to give life to a screenplay that twists and turns with dizzying speed. This film is a testament to the enduring appeal of farce, showcasing that with just the right touch of tomfoolery and sophistication, laughter can indeed be timeless.