The Eye of the Monocle

Released in November 1962, this French comedy thriller is the middle entry in director Georges Lautner's Monocle trilogy, following Le Monocle noir (1961) and preceding Le Monocle rit jaune. Paul Meurisse returns in the leading role, with Elga Andersen and Gaia Germani among the supporting cast. Written by Jacques Robert and Gilbert Renault, the picture continues the tongue-in-cheek espionage tone established by its predecessor, blending crime intrigue with humour. A substantial part of the location filming was carried out on the island of Corsica, whose landscapes lend the production much of its distinctive look. Running roughly 105 minutes, it remains a characteristic example of early-1960s French popular cinema.