This brilliant adaptation by Jean Aurenche and Pierre Bost of eighteen year old Raymond Radiguet's controversial novel published shortly before his death of typhoid fever, provoked no less a scandal when first released, being described by self-appointed guardians of morality as 'sordid, suggestive' and even 'a flood of filth'. Such opinions of course only served to increase public interest, the film gained international recognition and established Gérard Philippe as THE romantic actor of his generation.
The exceptionally gifted Philippe initially expressed reluctance to play Francois as he felt that he was too old for the role. He succeeds however in portraying the turmoil of adolescence and to have cast an immature teenage actor in the part would have been unthinkable. His leading lady, Micheline Presle, although roughly the same age, has a maturity way beyond her years and this exquisite artiste's performance as Marthe is deeply touching. Great support is provided by Denise Grey and the always-good-value Jean Debucourt.
Always one to challenge conventional morality, this is arguably Claude Autant-Lara's finest achievement, aided immeasurably by Michel Kelber's somber cinematography, Max Douy's atmospheric sets, René Cloerec's passionate score and the screenplay by Aurenche and Bost which depicts this love affair as 'a sand castle which the tide will carry away.'
Best to leave the final words to the director: "It was not an easy film to make but we claim the merit of handling the story without flinching."
Micheline Presle(1922-2024) "May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
