À Nous la Liberté

Directed by René Clair

Produced by Société des films sonores Tobis

A lyrical, socially conscious comedy about friendship and freedom that uses factory automation and satire to critique industrial conformity while maintaining an ultimately hopeful, playful spirit.

In this classic French satire, Louis, a convict, escapes from prison and takes on legitimate work, making his way up in the business world. Eventually becoming the head of a successful factory, Louis opts to modernize his company with mechanical innovations. But when his friend Émile finally leaves jail years later and reunites with Louis, the past catches up with them. The two, worried about being apprehended by police, long to flee the confines of industry.