Paul Colline - Ademaï Aviateur - 1946

Adémaï Aviator, by Paul Colline

Illustrations by Moallic and Aragon

Adémaï Aviateur is a illustrated book for youth written by Paul Colline, a pseudonym of Paul Louis Élisé Duard (1895–1991), a Parisian songwriter, actor, screenwriter and director from a family of actors. The book adapts for children the screenplay of the eponymous film by Jean Tarride, released in 1934 with Noël-Noël in the title role and Fernandel as co-star. The story centers on Adémaï, a naïve and clumsy soldier, who enlists in aviation to escape an arranged marriage. Departing with a comrade whom he believes to be his instructor, the two pals, unable to land, circle for several days, unintentionally setting a world record.

The character of Adémaï — a good-natured, naive farmer but ultimately resourceful — is a creation of Paul Colline, who wrote all the screenplays from 1932 to 1950. He embodies a popular comic figure typical of French cinema between the wars, heir to burlesque and vaudeville. The work was followed in 1947 by a second volume, Adémaï in the Middle Ages, illustrated solely by Moallic, confirming the success of translating the character into children’s literature.

1946, 25 x 31 cm, 48 pages. Some wear marks on the cover. Edges of the first board faded/stained.