The Baker's Wife (1938) review

Aimable Castanier (Raimu) and his significantly younger spouse Aurélie (Ginette Leclerc) move to a southeastern village in France in order to bake bread for the locals, but after a day goes by Aurélie runs off with strapping shepherd Dominique (Charles Moulin) - as a result, Aimable's too sad to work, he drinks excessively and even considers taking his own life, so the villagers band together to bring her back.  What's nice about this film from the multi-talented Pagnol (who found success as a playwright and novelist) is how the "townspeople" are sharper than they appear (just because they're not from the "big city" doesn't make them less observant) but also the way it permits them time to show off their eccentricities (for example, the hunter has a dog named "Suffering"!).  What isn't so fortunate is that the director - working off a book by Jean Giono - allows his scenes to run on a while, and it doesn't have the most intricate plot to start with.  The conclusion is cautiously upbeat, though: although still furious, Aimable shows a bit of mercy to his runaway bride, and hopefully a rich and handsome gentleman doesn't stop by for a loaf anytime soon....