

Charles, Dead or Alive
1970, French. Directed by Alain Tanner.
On the 100th anniversary of the founding of a watchmaking company in Geneva, Charles Dé the founder's 50-year-old grandson has had it: he speaks eccentrically to a reporter, recognizing his grandfather as a craftsman and his son as a businessman, but is evasive about himself. He gives his family the slip and moves in with a young couple he meets by chance, doing the cooking, reading, drinking, and engaging in philosophical discussions with them. The young couple comes to love Charles. In secret, he stays in touch with a daughter, and the rest of the family hires a private investigator to find him, setting in motion a business take-over that threatens his Bohemian happiness.
- Runtime
- 1h 33m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- French
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch Charles, Dead or Alive
Charles, Dead or Alive is streaming on MUBI in India.
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Availability in India as of 11 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Alain TannerDirector
- François SimonCharles Dé
- Marie-Claire DufourAdeline
- Marcel RobertPaul
- Maya SimonMarianne Dé, Fille de Charles
- André SchmidtPierre Dé, Fils de Charles
- Jo ExcoffierReporter de TV
- Walter SchochliLe Détective
- Jean-Pierre MoriaudL'Avocat
- Janine ChristoffeLa Femme de Chambre
- Michèle MartelGermaine Dé, la Femme de Charles
- Martine SimonCilette
- Liliane BovardCast
Details
- Released
- 15 January 1970
- Original title
- Charles mort ou vif
- Country
- Switzerland
- Written by
- Alain Tanner
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News & fan talk
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Charles, Dead or Alive: quick answers
Is Charles, Dead or Alive worth watching?
Charles, Dead or Alive doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Charles, Dead or Alive?
Charles, Dead or Alive runs 93 minutes (1h 33m).
Does Charles, Dead or Alive have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Charles, Dead or Alive. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Charles, Dead or Alive parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Charles, Dead or Alive yet.
Which OTT platform is Charles, Dead or Alive on?
Charles, Dead or Alive is streaming on MUBI in India. (Checked 11 November 2026.)
What movies are like Charles, Dead or Alive?
If you liked Charles, Dead or Alive, try Things to Come, Fast Girls, Spy, Stand Up.
Who directed Charles, Dead or Alive?
Charles, Dead or Alive (1970) was directed by Alain Tanner and stars François Simon, Marie-Claire Dufour, Marcel Robert.