The Frenchman
Philippe Halsman

A photographic interview with Fernandel.

In New York, in 1948, photographer, Philippe Halsman had a chance meeting with Fernandel, a French movie star from the vaudeville tradition, and asked the actor to participate in a completely original photographic experiment. Halsman would ask Fernandel questions about America to which he would respond using only facial expressions. With his wide, lovable horse-face, Fernandel mimicked the answers to such questions as Does the average Frenchman still pinch pretty girls in a crowd? (silly grin) and What was your reaction to the great American game of baseball? (perplexed). Fernandel’s reactions are laugh-out-loud funny, and the book that resulted from this unusual collaboration is nothing short of wonderful.