I Have an Idea

In I Have an Idea, a man named Aubrey is crushed by debt and sees a wildly risky way out. He schemes to fake his own death and step into the shoes of a presumed deceased cousin who stands to inherit a fortune. At first the plan seems to sail smoothly as misunderstandings pile up and people react to the illusion of a last farewell and a hidden heir. But the scheme quickly entangles the living with the dead in a web of mistaken identities, nervous creditors, and a cast of relatives who treat the inheritance as a prize to be won. The comic pressure mounts as appearances and loyalties clash, forcing uneasy compromises.

Released in 1934, the film was directed by Roger Richebé. It showcases Raimu in the lead role of Aubrey Harrington with Félix Oudart, Nane Germon, Henri Poupon, and Simone Deguyse in supporting parts.

Box office data for I Have an Idea is not documented in standard references. As with many 1930s French comedies, reliable box office figures are scarce, and a precise worldwide tally has not been preserved.

Reception at the time isn't widely documented, but the film fits the era's brisk French farce that riffs on money, status, and the fragility of appearances. The central conceit daringly blurs life and death for a comic reward, creating situations where pride and prudence collide. The execution leans on timing and confident performances, especially Raimu, whose deadpan presence keeps the pace sharp even when the plot spins into muddled misunderstandings. The result is a light satire that trades gloom for giggles while offering a window into 1930s French cinema sensibilities.

No major awards or nominations are documented for this title. The film tends to be remembered for its notable cast and its place in Roger Richebe's catalog rather than for prize status. In vintage catalogs, it is listed among light entertainments of the mid 1930s.