AllMovie

Every so often, director Maurice Tourneur recharged his creative batteries with such trifles as Gaietes de L'Escadron. The title translates as Fun in the Barracks -- and yes, it is a military comedy. Based on the popular stage play by Georges Courteline, the story centers upon the relationship between easygoing cavalry captain Raimu and obstreperous non-commissioned officer Camus. Eventually, the pompous Camus is made to look like an idiot in front of the General, much to the delight of the long-suffering conscripts under his command. The remarkably stellar supporting cast includes Fernandel as a dimwitted enlistee and Jean Gabin as a habitual slacker.