3. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sacha Guitry (1885-1957) son of a
French actor, was born in st. petersburg
(later laningrad) which accounts for his
fathers profession, he become a writer
of plays and films . Some of his own
experiences with people engaged in film
production may be reflected in villa for
sale.
4. Guitry was clever, irrepressible and a
constant source of amusement. He
claimed that he staged a one-man
revolt against the dismal french
theatre of his time. He was equally
successful on screen and stage.
Besides being a talented author and
actor, he earned recognition as a
highly competent producer and
director.
5. Summary
Juliette wants to sell her villa
When the scene opens, we see that Juliette and her
maid are discussing the sale of the villa. She
wonders if her mistress, Juliette, would be sorry for
selling the villa. Juliette says that since the villa had
been up for sale for the past month with no one
willing to buy, she would be glad if it is sold off.
However, the maid reminds her that she had put up
the ‘For Sale’ sign at night. Juliette agrees that she
had done this thinking that as soon as people saw
the sign, they would rush to buy it. But no one has
shown much interest in the place and Juliette wants
to get it off her hands fast.
6. A prospective buyer wants to see
the villa
The agency through which Juliette is trying to sell
the villa has informed her that a lady is
interested in buying the villa. Juliette asks her
maid as to what time the lady will come. The
maid replies that she will come between four
and five in the evening. The maid tries to talk
Juliette out of selling the villa as it had been be a
good place to spend her weekends. But as
Juliette is in need of money, she thinks her
decision is right.
7. The maid gets an offer to act in
films
The maid asks for a favour from her mistress. She has
been offered a role in a film and for that she asks
Juliette to let her go between nine and noon the next
day. She informs that her role is that of a maid and she
will get a hundred francs for it. Juliette is happy for
her. The maid wants to know whether Juliette is
willing to work in the film as well because they need a
cook. Very impertinently she tells her mistress that
since she has a funny face, she can get the role. She
also tells her that as she is hard pressed for money, she
should accept the offer. Juliette thanks her maid and
agrees to think it over.
8. The arrival of the buyer
Just then, they hear the door bell and Juliette tells
the maid to open the door while she goes
upstairs. A couple enter and the maid tells them
to be seated while she goes to call her mistress.
Gaston and his wife, Jeanne, sit down, but it is
obvious that Gaston does not want to buy the
villa. He tries to find faults with everything, the
first being the garden that is too small. The
salon too is not appropriate.
9. An argument between the two ensues and
Gaston tells his wife that he is not interested in
buying any villa, but just to please her he is
looking at the villa. He also reminds her that for
the past month she has been keen on buying a
villa and this is only so that her parents can stay
there. He further declares that he will not pay
the money to buy a villa for her parents. This
leads to another argument about the dowry that
Jeanne had brought with her. Gaston announces
that the money of her dowry has been spent long
back.
10. Jeanne is being kind to Juliette
After the argument, both are willing to go away
from there without looking at the villa but the entry
of Juliette stops them. Jeanne talks to her about the
house and Juliette tries to convince her that the
house is very nice and will be suitable for them. She
points out all the good things about the house, to
which Gaston replies sarcastically. Juliette tells them
the price of the villa is two hundred and fifty
thousand francs. Gaston exclaims that it is a very
high price and puts up the price of sixty thousand
francs. Juliette agrees for two thousand francs and
takes Jeanne upstairs to see the rest of the house.
11. A new buyer appears on the scene
While both of them are upstairs, a lady
comes to see the villa. She is very arrogant
with the maid and thinks that Gaston is
the owner of the villa. Gaston, too, good
naturedly talks to her about the amenities
of the house. The lady is least bothered
about all that because she plans to knock
down the house and build a new one.
12. A very good deal indeed!
Gaston tells her he wants to sell it for three hundred
thousand francs and the lady agrees. She gives
him the necessary details and tells him to vacate
the villa by the next day. Gaston makes a deal with
her and when Juliette and Jeanne come down, he
informs them that he is willing to buy the villa for
two hundred thousand francs and asks Juliette to
vacate the villa by the next day. Both the ladies are
surprised at the turn of events and Gaston is
happy at the profit he has made.
13. Character sketch of Julliette
julliette was a cunning lady.she was a good
dealer. she knew how to do business.first
thing is that she didn't let her tongue slip
and told a lot good about jeanne and
gaston. the villa was a big headache for
her and she wanted to sell it at any rate,
even if it is the cheapest rate. but while
coming to the point she didn't keep her
word. she demanded a higher amount.but
she is a good dealer.
14. Character sketch of Jeanne
she is a very cunning lady. the way she
got Gaston in her pocket was very
funny. she actually wanted the house
for her parents but she was not
agreeing with her fault although her
fault was out. but she was very
sensitive too and a caring women. she
cared about her parents
15. Character sketch of Gaston
Gaston's character was that of a witty, clever and a
selfish man. He doesn't care about other's feelings
but jumps on every opportunity that earns him
wealth. He is a specimen of
meanness,greediness,craftiness,cleverness and
dishonesty. He is non co-operative and uncaring
for his wife. He is a cheater in striking a deal with
Mrs.AI Smith, who was a stupid lady, in a hurry to
buy the villa. Through his greed, craftiness and
black villainy nature he has made 1,00,000 francs
without spending a single penny.
