Cherchez l’idole 1964

Mylène moves into a new home near the Bois de Boulogne

The film opens with Mylène Demongeot moving into a beautiful new house beside the Bois de Boulogne. The residence is still under construction and quickly becomes chaotic as an army of workers swarms the site. This hectic start sets the stage for the ensuing comedy and trouble.

Invitation to a Élysée Palace reception

General De Gaulle invites Mylène to a reception at the Élysée Palace in three days, elevating the social stakes of her calendar. She begins planning for the event and considers the jewel she hopes to wear. The invitation introduces a prestigious backdrop for the upcoming plot.

Gisèle tasked with preparing the gala outfit and guarding the diamond heart

Mylène asks her maid Gisèle to prepare the gala outfit and to keep the little diamond heart safe for the occasion. The jewel is described as a priceless treasure worth 500,000 new francs, adding a heavy incentive to protect it. The preparations heighten the tension around the forthcoming gala.

Mylène departs for Cannes for a cinematographic event

Meanwhile, Mylène must leave for Cannes to attend a cinematographic event, pulling her away from home during a critical pre-reception period. Her absence creates an opportunity for others to move unseen and for mischief to unfold. The trip foregrounds the contrast between celebrity life and domestic danger.

Richard learns of the jewel's existence

Richard, a tiler working in the star's house, is exasperated by his ambitious girlfriend Corinne. He inadvertently learns about the famous jewel from Gisèle, sparking a plan to steal it. The revelation sets the plot in motion and tests loyalties.

Richard steals the diamond heart

At night, Richard makes off with the little heart, intending to profit from it. Neighbors notice him crossing the wall and alert the police, triggering a citywide pursuit. The heist marks the turning point from planning to action.

Neighbors alert the police; pursuit begins

Pursued by the authorities, Richard flees through the urban maze while authorities close in. The chase compounds the danger and adds a sense of urgency to recover the jewel. The neighborhood watch becomes a key driver of the plot's momentum.

Richard hides the jewel in an Ericson guitar at a music store warehouse

Richard seeks refuge in a nearby music store warehouse and conceals the jewel by sticking it inside an Ericson electric guitar with chewing gum. The guitar, now a portable treasure, becomes the central MacGuffin that everyone will hunt. The odd concealment fuels the film’s comedy and suspense.

Next day: five Ericson guitars sold to idols; Corinne breaks up

The following day, Corinne goes to the store to buy the guitar and learns that all five Ericson copies have just been sold to five singing idols. She blames Richard for the mix-up and ends their relationship, intensifying the scramble to recover the jewel. The theft now intersects with celebrity circles.

Corinne and Vonny pursue the idols; Richard and Gisèle plan to recover

Corinne and her friend Vonny set off on a chase after the idols, while Richard, now repentant, teams up with Gisèle to retrieve the jewel and return it to Mylène after Cannes. Their goals align for the moment, though trust remains fragile. The plan shifts from simple theft to a careful recovery operation.

Plan to identify the thief by idol performances

The group decides to confront the idols during their performances to locate the one who holds the famous treasure guitar. They hope to spot the telltale signs that reveal the thief in the midst of show business. The plan blends sneaky surveillance with public performances.

Charles Aznavour's performance marks the first search phase

Charles Aznavour takes the stage as the first target in their search. The crew watches the performance for any hint that the guitar or jewel might be present. The scene mixes music, misdirection, and mounting suspense as they scan the crowd.

Sylvie Vartan's performance continues the search

During Sylvie Vartan's performance, the watchers continue their careful inspection for clues. The rhythm of the show provides cover for their covert inspection, keeping the tension high. The plot thickens as potential leads surface and fade.

Frank Alamo's performance narrows the suspect pool

As Frank Alamo performs, the group narrows the field of suspects and watches for any sign that the jewel is involved. The mix of humor and suspense deepens as red herrings appear. The live setting amplifies the stakes of their search.