A Certain Smile (1958)

Dominique, a law student at the Sorbonne, is engaged to a fellow classmate. Unfortunately, she's more attracted to his philandering Uncle Luc, who's married to the charming Francoise. Dominique and Luc begin a tawdry affair.

Director:

Jean Negulesco

Writers:

Frances Goodrich (screenplay), Albert Hackett (screenplay),

Stars:

Rossano Brazzi, Joan Fontaine, Bradford Dillman

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview:
Rossano Brazzi	...	Luc Ferrand
Joan Fontaine	...	Françoise Ferrand
Bradford Dillman	...	Bertrand Griot
Christine Carère	...	Dominique Vallon (as Christine Carere)
Eduard Franz	...	M. Vallon
Katherine Locke	...	Mme. Vallon
Kathryn Givney	...	Mme. Griot
Steven Geray	...	Denis
Johnny Mathis	...	Himself
Trude Wyler	...	Mme. Denis
Sandy Livingston	...	Catherine
Renate Hoy	...	Mlle. Minot
Muzaffer Tema	...	Pierre

Storyline

Dominique, a law student at the Sorbonne, is engaged to a fellow classmate. Unfortunately, she's more attracted to his philandering Uncle Luc, who's married to the charming Francoise. Dominique and Luc begin a tawdry affair.

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Plot Keywords:

foreign language adaptation | french riviera | summer vacation | car accident | night club | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 September 1958 (Sweden)

Also Known As:

Ena kapoio hamogelo

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The first feature film of Bradford Dillman.

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Connections

Referenced in Hollywood Screen Tests: Take 2 (1999)

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Soundtracks

"A Certain Smile"
Music by Sammy Fain
Lyrics by Paul Francis Webster
Sung by Johnny Mathis

User Reviews

Exquisite young love learning about life and reality

After one innocent kiss a bittersweet romance eventually blossoms so naturally between young Dominique (Christine Carere) and the easygoing charmer Luc (Rossano Brazzi), who also happens to be married to Francoise (Joan Fontaine).

There is a tug of war within Dominique as she tries to come to terms with her feelings for Luc as well as for young Bertrand who wants to marry her. Human nature being what it is, we can understand all too well what she goes through -- the hopes and dreams, the joys and sorrows that make up life's experiences -- all are a part of her growing up. However, there is a price to pay for gaining maturity but she comes through in the end.

Romantic music throughout sets the mood for many tender scenes as well as a few frolicking lighthearted ones. Early on Johnny Mathis sings "A Certain Smile" to perfection. Don't pass this one up if you are a Mathis fan.

Joan Fontaine is admirable in her portrayal of the loving, caring wife who must deal with a husband's waywardness. One fine actress!

This is Romance indeed with a very human touch.