The Long Absence (1961)
"Une aussi longue absence" (original title)

Director:

Henri Colpi

Writers:

Marguerite Duras, Gérard Jarlot

Stars:

Alida Valli, Georges Wilson, Charles Blavette

Nominated for 2 BAFTA Film Awards. Another 4 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Alida Valli	...	Thérèse Langlois
Georges Wilson	...	The Tramp
Charles Blavette	...	Fernand
Amédée	...	Marcel Langlois
Paul Faivre	...	Pensioner
Pierre Parel	...	Manager
Catherine Fonteney	...	Alice
Diane Lepvrier	...	Martine (as Diana Lepvrier)
Nane Germon	...	Simone
Georges Bellec	...	Young man
Charles Bouillaud	...	Favier
Corrado Guarducci	...	Workman
Clément Harari	...	Man at Juke Box
Jean Luisi	...	Workman
Pierre Mirat	...	Druggist

Storyline

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

France Italy

Language:

French

Release Date:

15 November 1962 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Long Absence

Company Credits

Production Co:

Procinex, Societé Cinématographique Lyre, Galatea Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Trois petites notes de musique"
Composed by Georges Delerue
Lyrics by Henri Colpi
Performed by Cora Vaucaire

User Reviews

Trois Petites Notes de Musique

Generally the simple name of Marguerite Duras makes me yawn my head off.But here,not at all.Released in 1960, this little gem has almost sunk into oblivion,and for good reasons : Henri Colpi was not part of the Nouvelle Vague and it was a curse when His Majesty Godard's reign began.

Hindsight displays the great charms of this movie: the subject is finally close to "Un long Dimanche de Fiançailles" ,Jeunet's extravaganza,but it's an intimate drama and much more moving.

During WW2,Thérèse (Alida Valli,the great Italian thespian,excellent as ever) lost her husband;he had been reported missing in Germany.In her small bistro,she is still waiting,waiting...One days she spots a tramp on the street (George Wilson).Might he be the one?Might he? A film about souvenirs,lost illusions,fear of loneliness,nostalgia,hope against hope,"Une aussi longue absence" is all this and more.Enhanced by George Delerue's (who else?)delicate score,which features the little song "Trois petites notes de Musique" (= three little music notes) , an infinite poetry emanates from Colpi's work.

In 1960,there was not only Truff' or God' in France!Please give the non nouvelle vague directors a chance!They were not out of breath either.