There have been inevitable comparisons to 'Le Million' and 'A Nous La Liberte' discussing 'Quatorze Juillet'. One can completely understand those comparisons, they and this were all directed by the talented Rene Clair, this starred those films' two lead actors Annabella (for 'Le Million') and Raymond Cordy ('A Nous La Liberte') and all are early talkies (and three of the better efforts). One of the differences though being that there is less of a musical element to it.
'Quatorze Juillet' is on an equal level to 'Le Million' and slightly better than 'A Nous La Liberte'. All three are fantastic though. Is this as technically innovative as those two? Yes. But it is absolutely as charming, perhaps the most charming and emotionally impactful of the three, lovely to watch and entertaining as them. It is sad that it is not as well known, it absolutely deserves to be more famous as to me it is one of Clair's best early films and one of his best overall.
Like the other two, 'Quatorze Juillet' looks wonderful, again not as technically innovative as 'Le Million' and 'A Nous La Liberte' but every bit as ambitious and accomplished. Paris is lovingly created and the editing and transitions are seamlessly fluid but the star is the photography, absolutely dazzling and with some of the best use of long tracking shots of any early talkie.
Clair's direction is immaculate visually and on the dramatic front, the film never losing its energy. Maurice Jaubert's score is graceful, nostalgic and whimsical, personally don't it was over-scored at all and thought it added a lot to the film's appeal and atmosphere. Something that 'Quatorze Juillet' is heavy in, again in a way that has elegance and an affectionate air.
Also massively successful too is the writing. The comedy is genuinely funny and didn't come over as over-played, with it being the farcical kind of humour that could easily have been the case. Meanwhile the more dramatic moments have real heartfelt but never over-sentimental pathos, making it the film of the three that connected the most with me emotionally. The story is beautifully constructed, the slightness of it not mattering at all, it is immensely charming, brings a smile to the face and has a big heart. Told always smoothly and with no problems with cohesion.
Really loved Annabella in 'Le Million' and she perhaps beguiles and moves even more here, she brings so much heart to the film. Just like Cordy providing most of the entertainment value without playing things too broadly.
Overall, really wonderful and deserving of more attention. 10/10
