Sarah Duhamel, one of France’s first female film comedians, delivers a captivating performance as a cross-dressing, jealous wife. When her husband goes out without her, she pursues him disguised as a man. Duhamel rants and raves and brings everything to a head.

Sarah Duhamel (1873-1926) had her stage debut as a child at the Théâtre Lafayette and made a career in the theatre in Paris. In 1908, she moved into film, where she shot films with Louis Feuillade for Gaumont. From 1911, she soon became a star under Roméo Bosetti at the Pathé Comica film studio in Nice, which produced the popular Rosalie comedies. From 1912, she made over 20 short films at Éclair, playing the role of Pétronille. The series was discontinued in 1916. It wasn’t until 1922 that Duhamel appeared on screen again in a supporting role.

Silent film accompaniment: Gunda Gottschalk, Maria Portugal

Films with Sarah Duhamel (Selection)
Les mystères de Paris 1922 | Casimir et Pétronille au bal de l’ambassade 1916 | Casimir et Pétronille font bon ménage 1913 | Pétronille cherche une situation 1913 | Gavroche et Pétronille au pensionnat 1913 | Je ne veux plus de cuisinière 1912 | Rosalie fait du spiritisme 1912 | Rosalie et Léontine vont au théâtre 1911 | Rosalie et ses meubles fidèles 1911