The Bamboo Stroke

Narrative Synopsis

Albert is the irremovable waiter in a small bistro that has just been sold by his former bosses, Angèle and Léon. Angèle, having forgotten the ten million paid by the notary in a cab, prefers to feign madness rather than incur her husband's wrath; but Léon, in turn, eventually learns what has happened to his money, goes mad and kicks out the honest cab driver who comes to return the lost sum. A phone call from the police station later informs Albert that the money is at his boss's disposal; but as the boss is now in an institution, Albert borrows his identity papers and goes to collect the money - which he pays in full to the pari-mutuel betting house. After a series of shocks and counter-shocks, Angèle and Léon regain their senses enough to watch for the outcome of the race, and share with Albert the final winnings, which are very substantial.