Melodrama. A painting that came across by chance to the author of this review, but which, despite its age, looks good even now. It should be noted right away that this is far from a masterpiece for all time, but as a good melodrama about the "Belle Epoque" it will definitely go. And here's a brief opinion - A very high-quality French melodrama of the mid-fifties. It was not possible to find any flaws in the painting, so it is necessary to describe its advantages. Therefore, a brief introduction should be completed.
So, here they are:
1. Scenario - in the "Beautiful Era" in France, a regiment of dragoons was stationed in the province, and among them the young lieutenant Armand de la Verne stood out very much, who could easily turn the head of any lady, which he actively used, sometimes getting into trouble. And so, the gentlemen and officers of the regiment, during another drinking session, decided to make a bet. What is its essence - Armand must, in the allotted time (until the regiment has gone on major maneuvers), turn the head of a woman whose name he learns only in a lottery, so that everything is not so easy for him. Fate has pointed to Mademoiselle Marie, a Parisian woman who has recently received a divorce, who is being looked after by Victor Duverrier. Armand, as agreed, proceeds to seduce. And it is Marie who will awaken in Armand what he did not know before - love, and make him feel what happens to those who are abandoned and how their soul hurts. All this is seasoned with funny little situations, other romances between officers and beautiful ladies from a provincial town. The dialogues are pleasing because they convey the spirit of that time very well. And although the script lacks stars from the sky, it is interesting to follow it.
2. Aesthetics - The "Beautiful Era", the provincial city of France, the French uniforms of that time, the well-known free behavior of the military of those years, girls' dresses, dancing, small talk. All this is perfectly reproduced and perfectly conveys the spirit of that time. Please forgive us for repeating it, but it's true. The eye is already happy. The author of this review did not notice any errors or blunders, and if there are any, then you are welcome to comment on what exactly you think was done wrong.
3. Romance - pleasant conversations, accidentally dropped phrases, conversations about feelings, secret break-ins into lovers' homes, persistent harassment, quarrels, apologies. All this will be in the picture, and it's also nice to look at. This has not been done for a very long time, all courtship has descended into banality. I think that's why this painting was so popular with Soviet viewers, because all of the above echoes the works of Russian classical literature.
4. The ending - we need to clarify right away, because the author of this review watched the restored version with a less tragic ending (there is another, more tragic one), so I will evaluate it. It is both vital and very revealing. The author of this review was sure of a happy ending to this story, but that was not the case. The scriptwriters surprised by teaching Armand and everyone like him a lesson.
A little bit about the main characters:
1. Lieutenant Armand de la Verne, played by Gerard Philippe, is a rake and a buffoon who easily wins women's hearts, who takes on a new "victim", but gradually realizes that now everything will not be as simple as before. The hero of Gerard Philip is shown as a kind of "Lieutenant Rzhevsky" who has no faith. He is also boastful and ambitious, until someone who is able to break him gets in his way. Nevertheless, we will see two Armans in the picture, and this transformation will be perfectly demonstrated. Bravo!
2. Victor Duverrier, played by Jean Quesaya, is a decent gentleman who looks after Mademoiselle Marie, who recently arrived from Paris and helps her adapt to her new place. The exact opposite of Armand, and when the latter begins to actively pursue Marie, she enters into a struggle with him and tries in every possible way to protect her from the lieutenant's encroachments. Jean did a great job with the role. Bravo!
3. Marie Louise Revier, played by Michelle Morgan, is a Parisian woman who came to the provinces after a divorce in order to take a break from the capital's society and restore her reputation. He behaves rather secretively, but after Armand's persistent courtship, he takes a liking to him. Michelle is just a beauty, who at the same time behaves extremely gracefully and modestly, and in the sincerity of whose feelings you believe, without a doubt. Bravo!
The painting is about a bygone time that cannot be returned, but it has been carefully reconstructed here, and now we have the opportunity to look at it. Yes, the moral character of the officers here is not the most pleasant, but do not forget about the ending - it is moralizing, so the picture is definitely worthy of your attention.
Rating 7 out of 10 and recommended for viewing!
