Feature film — 1913

Pétronille’s Monkey (1913)

Pétronille the kitchen maid is engaged to a marine who brings her a monkey named Joko from an exotic, unspecified country as a present. Pétronille attempts to hide Joko from her employers. Upon hearing strange noises from their cabinet, they impulsively draw their gun to shoot the intruder (or perhaps what they suspect to be a rat?). Joko provokes a massive chase across the city, climbing over chimneys, running over railway crossings, and diving into a fountain in a public park. This film showcases Duhamel’s talents as an indomitable comedienne. She is charismatic, cheeky, and athletic, with amazing facial expressions and great dramatic timing.