The Vertical Smile
6.1
A kaleidoscope of images from history populate this skillfully animated French feature. The story concerns a history professor whose ideas about human history cause him distress. Amid a flurry of newsreel-type images, Joan of Arc's trial is shown. Another theme which emerges is of two ages (in the far past and far future) in which naked humans fight one another with animalistic aggression.
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Cast
15 people
Françoise Brion
Lennie
Known for
Very Happy Alexander
Nelly and Monsieur Arnaud
François Perrot
Relde
Known for
Exploits of a Young Don Juan
Inspector Blunder
Henri Serre
Tablo
Known for
Jules and Jim
Fantomas vs. Scotland Yard
Olivier Hussenot
Doux Donnie
Known for
Asterix and Cleopatra
Maigret Sets a Trap
Jean-Pierre Mocky
Franco, le prêtre borgne
Known for
Godard Mon Amour
Kill the Referee
André Chaumeau
Le voyeur
Known for
Napoleon
The School Teacher
Natalie Perrey
Mère Jeanne des Anges
Known for
Lips of Blood
The Iron Rose
Georges Carmier
Cauchon
Known for
Asterix the Gaul
Violaine Doucy
Jeanne d'Arc
No other roles listed
Vanina Michel
Léone
Also in
Café Plongeoir
Un enfant dans la ville
Catherine Stermann
La petite fille
Also in
Cousin, Cousine
Rape of Love
Max Vialle
Général P.P.
Known for
My Life Is Hell
Robert Lapoujade Director · Patrice Sciortino Composer Renan Pollès Cinematographer
First release March 19, 1973 · Produced in France · Original title Le Sourire vertical
Production
TV Cinema
Production
France
Produced in
Languages
Original title
Le Sourire vertical
Original language
French
Spoken on screen
French
Release dates
France · March 19, 1973
Theatrical
No release date listed for United States.
France
May 14, 1973 · Premiere · Cannes Film Festival
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Some details come from TheTVDB.