Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century
1960, French. Directed by Norbert Carbonnaux.
Charming and innocent, Candide is vigorously chased away by the Baron, for his close encounters with the pretty Cunégonde. World War II breaks out, and when he is drafted and taken prisoner, he is forced to take German nationality and ends up guarding the camp where he was imprisoned. He crossed into Switzerland, but as he had no bank account, he was incarcerated for eight days for trespassing. Hunted by the Gestapo, he kills two men to free Cunégonde, who has finally been found. They both flee to Argentina, and their world tour begins. In Paris, Moscow, New York, Borneo and Alexandria. They try to follow Dr. Pangloss' optimistic rule of life. Tossed about, separated, they find themselves grown old and wiser, thinking only of cultivating their garden on the shores of the Mediterranean.
- Runtime
- 1h 28m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- French
- Rated
- Check local
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Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 16 December 1960.
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Cast & crew
- Norbert CarbonnauxDirector
- Jean-Pierre CasselCandide
- Daliah LaviCunégonde
- Pierre BrasseurPangloss
- Louis de FunèsOfficier de la Gestapo
- Michel SimonColonel Nanar, du cadre de réserve
- Jean PoiretLe premier policier / Policeman
- Michel SerraultLe second policier / Policeman
- Jean TissierLe docteur Jacques
- Luis MarianoUn dictateur sud américain / South American Dictator
- Nadia GrayLa dame de compagnie / Dame
- Mathilde CasadesusLa baronne de Thunder-Ten-Tronck
- Darío MorenoUn dictateur sud américain / South American Dictator
Details
- Released
- 16 December 1960
- Original title
- Candide ou l’optimisme au XXᵉ siècle
- Country
- France
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News & fan talk
What Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century is based on
Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century is based on Candide (1759) by Voltaire.
1759
Candide
By Voltaire
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century: quick answers
Is Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century worth watching?
Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century?
Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century runs 88 minutes (1h 28m).
Does Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century yet.
Which OTT platform is Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century on?
Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 16 December 1960. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
What movies are like Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century?
If you liked Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century, try Family Resemblances, The Nannies, A Difficult Year.
Who directed Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century?
Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century (1960) was directed by Norbert Carbonnaux and stars Jean-Pierre Cassel, Daliah Lavi, Pierre Brasseur.
What is Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century based on?
Candide or The Optimism in the 20th Century is based on Candide (1759) by Voltaire.