Frenchman's Creek (1944)

An English lady falls madly in love with a French Pirate.

Director:

Mitchell Leisen

Writers:

Daphne Du Maurier (novel), Talbot Jennings

Stars:

Joan Fontaine, Arturo de Córdova, Basil Rathbone

Won 1 Oscar.

Cast

Cast overview:
Joan Fontaine	...	Dona St. Columb
Arturo de Córdova	...	Jean Benoit Aubrey
Basil Rathbone	...	Lord Rockingham
Nigel Bruce	...	Lord Godolphin
Cecil Kellaway	...	William
Ralph Forbes	...	Harry St. Columb
Harald Maresch	...	Edmond (as Harald Ramond)
Billy Daniel	...	Pierre Blanc (as Billy Daniels)
Moyna MacGill	...	Lady Godolphin
Patricia Barker	...	Henrietta
David James	...	James

Storyline

An English lady falls madly in love with a French Pirate.

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Plot Keywords:

pirate | affair | based on novel

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Taglines:

A Lady of Fire and Ice... A Rogue of Steel and Gallantry

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | Romance

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 September 1944 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Gaivota Negra

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

"Lux Radio Theater" broadcast a 60 minute radio adaptation of the movie on February 10, 1947 with Joan Fontaine reprising her film role.

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Connections

Version of Frenchman's Creek (1998)

User Reviews

Cecil Strikes Out!(But oh-so well!)

In examining this well-done film,I find myself in disagreement with one of the other critics,in terms of regarding the performances of some of the supporting players.Where do we start?

1)Nigel Bruce is doing his usual blundering,obtuse,blithering,pompous oaf,as we have seen in numerous other films.In this picture,however,his character is not as benign as we have witnessed elsewhere.

2.)Cecil Kellaway,as William,is doing a masterpiece.His character is sly,wise,verbally adroit,socially adept,sensitive,and intuitive.This is the sort of fellow we would wish to have as the major-domo,or butler.

3.)Forbes,as Harry,does well in what happens to be an extremely thankless role.Dona's husband is a clod and a buffoon.He is a self-centered,selfish,immature man,who married for all of the wrong reasons(although the right ones for that period.)He wanted to have a beautiful wife,who would provide him with sexual companionship,company,and would handle all of the business aspects while he could go out with his pals and have a good time.He's not only NOT interested in handling his end of the relationship,but he puts her in the way of Lord Rockingham,even though he knows that she finds his attentions repugnant.it's not easy to do this kind of part,but he does carry it off.