Andre Deed
FranceBiography of André Dider
André Dider was a French actor and director known for his work in serial comedies. He was born into a family of minor government officials and received his education at a classical high school. After the death of his father, he left his studies and moved to Paris. He spent several months performing in pantomime troupes, such as "Price" and "Omer." Eventually, he joined the famous music hall, "Folies-Bergère," which was well-known at the time. He then worked at the "Châtelet" theater, where he was noticed by Lucien Nonguet, who brought him to the "Pathé" studio.
Early Success in Cinema
Dider's first significant success in cinema came with the "Bouaro" series, which translates to "The Drunkard." These films were only seven to ten minutes long. In 1908, Dider signed a contract with the film company "Itala." In Italy, he gained the nickname "Cretinetto" and met Valentina Frascaroli. André Dider became extremely popular in Anglo-Saxon countries under the names "Fulheda" (Fool) and later "Jim." He particularly gained fame in South America, where he was referred to as Toribio or Saichet. It was in Italy that he developed his stage persona. Many of his films were shot outdoors, on the streets or in the suburbs of Turin, and the lively nature of these scenes added a certain rhythm to his films. Their plots were based on absurd and comical tricks. André Dider's success in Italy spawned numerous imitators.
Return to France and Later Career
He then returned to France and signed a contract with Pathé. He appeared in films alongside Valentina Frascaroli. After the war, Dider returned to Italy, but soon had to return to Paris. In 1923, Gaston Ravel invited Dider to star in the multi-part film "Tao." He later had a small role in Georges Monca's film "Miss Heliette." Towards the end of his life, Dider worked as a prop master. In Russia, he was widely known as "Glupyshkin" (Foolish). Dider created the image of an unlucky young man who got himself into the most absurd situations but always came out unscathed. His character was akin to a circus clown, but instead of verbal repartee, Bouaro-Dider had to create routines that consisted of chases and pursuits, evoking laughter from the audience with their extreme absurdity. Unlike Max Linder, André Dider did not create a permanent stage persona or character. However, all of his characters shared one common trait - stupidity. His idiotic comedy was primarily based on absurdity.
Filmography
- 1905: Bouaro Moves
- 1905: Chasing the Wig
- 1906: The Persistent Suitor, or The Gentleman Who Pursues Women
- 1907: Bouaro at School
- 1907: Our Fanfare Participates in a Competition
- 1907: Bouaro - The King of Thieves
- 1907: The First Steps of a Chauffeur
- 1908: Bouaro's Wedding
- 1908: Bouaro Eats Garlic
- 1908: The First Steps of a Dandy
- 1908: The Wonderful Handkerchief
- 1908: A Dozen Fresh Eggs
- 1908: The Architect's Apprentice
- 1908: The Monkey-Man
- 1909: Cretinetto, the King of Police
- 1909: Cretinetto at the Ball
- 1910: Cretinetto's Trousers
- 1911: Cretinetto the Hypnotist
- 1912: Griboi Becomes Bouaro
- 1913: Bouaro the Cuirassier
- 1913: Bouaro Gets a Wife
- 1914: Cretinetto and the Brazilian Boots
- 1914: Cretinetto Fears Zeppelins
- 1921: The Mechanical Man
- 1923: Tao
- 1925: Fi-Fi
- 1927: Miss Heliette
