I like doing Maigret: I have to smoke a pipe

Rome, December 1965

Maigret's pipe returns to television: and it returns, naturally, held between the lips of Gino Cervi, who is preparing to bring to the small screen a new series of episodes taken from Simenon, and centered on the figure of the very popular commissioner. An obviously expected return, if we consider the very high approval rating recorded for the first "Maigret series", and the current unfortunate trend of television programs: it is useless to look for confirmation from direct sources, but we know that those responsible for the our evenings in slippers have focused on emptying pockets on the reappearance of the famous character for a surge in programs. On the other hand, the usual statistics state that viewers aspire to precisely this kind of show. In short, a return by popular acclaim.

We spoke with Gino Cervi between one take and another about his latest work: wearing make-up as befits the character, he had just finished roughing up a reticent witness in his office reconstructed in a studio in via Teulada, and was preparing to face a walk through the foggy streets around what will turn out to be the Place des Vosges. Courteous, as is his custom, with the reporter, and decidedly satisfied:
Maigret's, I say this at the risk of repeating myself, is a character who is now on me like this old coat; I have the presumption of having managed to fully nail it, and it didn't cost me any effort, because I've always had a weakness for Simenon. And, as an actor, I have surprised myself several times - when the possibility of these achievements was not yet thought of - playing my very personal Maigret. Then I brought him to the television screens: I'm happy that the critics and the public made this type of commissioner their own, which I, I still say, believed could perhaps be exclusively mine. Evidently I chose the right path; I would have been sad to abandon her at the best moment. Welcome, therefore, to this new series; and we hope that the possibility of creating a third one next autumn will materialize."

To a specific question, the "commissioner" replies: « In these days (we are talking about early December - ed.) we are completing the filming, in Rome, of the first story of the second cycle. It is "The Chinese Shadow", taken from the novel of the same name by Simenon, naturally published in Italy by Mondadori. Don't let the title be misleading. Maigret will appear more immersed than ever in the authentic atmosphere of his Paris, dealing with a judicial case that will keep him busy in the confines of his office, in a concierge literally vibrant with gossip and reticence at the same time, on the stairs of an old house where every door hides a fact, along the Seine, in the small cafes, on the most French streets in France. The title refers to one of the initial sequences, the Chinese shadow projected on the glass of a door by the crumpled shape of a murdered man."

To an equally precise question (who is the culprit?) Cervi not only doesn't answer, but he doesn't even smile. Let's move forward along more accessible roads.

« Towards the end of December we will go to Paris to shoot a whole series of exteriors. They will not only concern "The Chinese Shadow", but also the other episodes of the series."

At this point, we owe those who read us complete news relating to the broadcasts. First of all, an indiscretion: it is probable that the second "Maigret series" will be preceded by the re-presentation, on television screens, of the adventures of the first part. When you read these which are now firsts, perhaps you will already have the opportunity to review the events that TV already offered us last season.

Then, at the end of January or more likely at the beginning of February, the start of the second series. It will include the much-cited “Chinese Shadow”, which will air in 3 episodes; then, “Old Mrs. Bayeux”, based on a story, and which will occupy only one episode; therefore, another story to drink in one go, in a single programme: "Mrs Maigret's lover". Finally, “You Don't Kill the Poor Devils”, the reduction of which is scheduled in two episodes. To sum things up, a total of four adventures of ours, for a total of 7 programmes. The second series should stop here: on TV they know how to measure out delicious dishes (even too much, some will say).
As for the cast, we can only be precise about “The Chinese Shadow”, the reduction is by Diego Fabbri and Romildo Craveri; directed by Mario Landi.

Alongside Gino Cervi, Andreina Pagnani (the sweet lady Maigret), Franco Volpi (the severe judge) and then Manlio Busoni, Oreste Lionello, Gino Pernice, Lidia Alfonsi, Dora Calindri, Anni Miserocchi, Antonio Battistella, Leonardo Severini Gabriella Andreini will appear , Franco Scandurra, Daniele, Tedeschi, Marina Malfatti, Clelia Matania, Tatian: Farnese.
But let's continue our chat with Gino Cervi: therefore, this character really seduced him. Will he just bring it to television? "Well, I can only tell you a few indiscretions about this, reserved for friends", it is very likely that a series of films about Maigret will soon begin to be made. The relevant agreements are laborious, there is only this precisely: if I bring my commissioner to the big screen, it will not be for just one film, but for an already planned series."

Yes, it's easy to reply, Gino Cervi is the man who becomes attached to his characters; just think of Peppone of the lucky chain linked to his venture with Don Camillo. By the way, what do you know about Peppone, Cervi-Maigret?
«Look, it's luck that rarely happens to an actor, that of being able to give life to two such successful inventions. I'm happy to have had this luck. I'm as fond of Peppone as I am of the con miss Ario: I'm sincere, I'm not speaking to do my thing with the idea of ​​pleasing everyone. In Pepponi I am attracted by the robust, full-bodied, sanguine characters with violent emotions and violent reactions: of man, in short, "all out", at least apparently; with a great, undeniable Poetry of him. 1 Maigret, I see a similar background, healthy, sincere, attached to reality, but an identical way of expression. different, nuanced, full of psychological undertones, mentally difficult, but at least equally satisfying. However, I am Gino Cervi, neither Peppone nor Mi gret, let's be clear, I mean, I think I can "get out" of these two even though they are guessed cliché as many and as I want, should the opportunity arise."

Naturally, while Cervi speaks he has the script in one hand, in the other the pipe which is famous both because it is Maigret's and... because it is that of one of the most famous Italian smokers. The last question is therefore appropriate: Maigret and the pipe.

«Well, I think that friends like me who are fond of this habit will understand me when I say that I also like playing the character of Simenon's inspector for this reason - think, working, not only can I, but I actually have to smoke a pipe. Like telling a dolphin that, to play its role well, it has to eat tasty fish! Well, I don't think I'm exaggerating by saying that this detail (assuming it's just a detail) is among those that have always brought me closer to Simenon and Maigret. I go to the set, ready and made up, I know the part by heart, I listen to the director's latest recommendations, I wait for the take and then... I light my pipe. My smoking friends, then, only "see" me smoking: but how many know the delights that the aromatic "compounds" that I prepare can give me, even in the moments of greatest commitment, during processing? ».

And on this last beat he leaves, punctual to the call of "turn around". It didn't end like this, however: because next time we will reveal to you, in these same columns, the little secrets of the Cervi smoker: his preferences in terms of pipes, tobaccos and flavours. Heck, you can't be Maigret without sharing these "curiosities" with your admirers.
For now, let's say goodbye to our dear friend, the great actor, the very nice commissioner. He will have a lot to do, to solve the question of the “Chinese Shadow”; but everything will be fine. Because Simenon's novel ends just like this: «... Maigret was calm, he didn't go out that evening. He played cards with his wife and brother-in-law. And the aroma of his pipe perfumed the house."

Giorgio Colarossi