Manon (1949)

An adaptation of Abbe Prevost's classic French novel 'Manon Lescaut', updated to post-World War II France, in which a former French Resistance activist rescues Manon from villagers who want... See full summary »

Director:

Henri-Georges Clouzot

Writers:

Abbé Prévost (novel), Henri-Georges Clouzot (screenplay),

Stars:

Serge Reggiani, Michel Auclair, Cécile Aubry

2 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Serge Reggiani	...	Leon Lescaut
Michel Auclair	...	Robert Dégrieux
Cécile Aubry	...	Manon Lescaut
Andrex	...	Le trafiquant
Raymond Souplex	...	M. Paul
André Valmy	...	Lieutenant Besnard / Bandit Chief
Henri Vilbert	...	Le commandant du navire / Ship's Captain
Héléna Manson	...	La commère (une paysanne normande)
Dora Doll	...	Juliette
Simone Valère	...	Isé, la soubrette
Gabrielle Fontan	...	La vendeuse à la toilette
Wanda Ottoni
Rosy Varte	...	Petit rôle
Edmond Ardisson	...	(as Ardisson)
Michel Bouquet	...	Le second

Storyline

An adaptation of Abbe Prevost's classic French novel 'Manon Lescaut', updated to post-World War II France, in which a former French Resistance activist rescues Manon from villagers who want to lynch her for collaborating with the Nazis. They move to Paris, but their relationship quickly turns stormy after they get involved in profiteering, prostitution and murder...

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Plot Keywords:

murder | french resistance | france | prostitution | profiteering | 

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Genres:

Drama | Crime

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Details

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

9 March 1949 (France)

Also Known As:

Anjo Perverso

Filming Locations:

Studios de la Victorine - 16 avenue Edoard Grinda, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, France

Company Credits

Production Co:

Alcina

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Finnish censorship register # 030607.

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Connections

Version of Manon (2007)

User Reviews

Surprisingly faithful, late '40s French update of the (in)famous Prevost tale best known in the operatic versions by Puccini & Massenet.

With his short CV, Henri-George Clouzot is known only for his international hits, WAGES OF FEAR and DIABOLIQUE, yet every newfound title turns out to be a near masterpiece. This updated take on the infamous Prevost tale (operatic versions include Auber, Massenet & Puccini) is a notch below breathtaking 'finds' like QUAI DES ORFEVRES, LE CORBEAU and his striking film of the Verdi REQUIEM. But on its own terms it's ingenious & effective, perfectly fitting the story into the morally ambiguous climate of post WWII France.

As the heedless young beauty who loves the rich life when she should love her besotted spouse (and vice versa), Cecile Aubry makes an appalling & devastating French sex-kitten, admittedly, an acquired taste. Michel Auclair, in Gerard Philipe mode, is very fine as her tormented husband and Serge Reggiani as Manon's amoral brother is beyond praise. And who but Clouzot would have the chutzpah to merge Manon's exile to a group of Jewish refugees trying to smuggle themselves into Israel.

NOTE: This title is currently unavailable in ANY video format. Is there no justice?!