The Marquise of O (1976)
"Die Marquise von O..." (original title)

A German Marquise has to deal with a pregnancy she cannot explain and an infatuated Russian Count.

Director:

Eric Rohmer

Writers:

Eric Rohmer, Heinrich von Kleist (story)

Stars:

Edith Clever, Bruno Ganz, Edda Seippel

Won 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 10 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Edith Clever	...	Die Marquise
Bruno Ganz	...	Der Graf
Edda Seippel	...	Die Mutter, Die Obristin
Peter Lühr	...	Der Vater, Der Obrist
Otto Sander	...	Der Bruder, Der Forstmeister
Eduard Linkers	...	Der Arzt
Ruth Drexel	...	Die Hebamme
Bernhard Frey	...	Leopardo
Hesso Huber	...	Der Türsteher
Erich Schachinger	...	Der General
Richard Rogner	...	Der Offizier
Thomas Straus	...	Der Kurier
Volker Prechtel	...	Der Pfarrer
Marion Müller	...	Die Kammerfrau
Heidi Möller	...	Die Kammerfrau

Storyline

During the attack on an Italian town by Russian forces, the Marquise of O., the daughter of the colonel in charge of the defence, is attacked by a group of Russian soldiers. A Russian Count comes to her rescue, and falls in love with her. While he is away, she discovers that she is pregnant, though she cannot explain how that happened. Her father repudiates her, and she has to reject the Count while trying to find out who the father of her child is.

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Plot Keywords:

russian | russian army | pregnancy | russian army officer | mother daughter reunion | 

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Genres:

Drama | History

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Official Sites:

Les Films du Losange

Country:

West Germany France

Language:

German

Release Date:

19 May 1976 (France)

Also Known As:

The Marquise of O

Company Credits

Production Co:

Janus Film, Les Films du Losange, Janus Filmproduktion GmbH

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

During the scene when the Count rids the Marquise of her attackers, there are visible studio lights perched on top of the battlements.

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Connections

Version of Die Gräfin von Rathenow (1973)

User Reviews

Rohmer has made much better, but this is still very good

Not one of Rohmer's best, especially from a writing standpoint. It seems to me that he wasn't particularly interested in this project, or at least he is unable to make the story as interesting as I find most of his other films. However, several points elevate this film far beyond what it could have been. First thing, the cinematography, by Néstor Almendros, is stunning. Rohmer pays particular attention to the composition, something which he isn't generally known for. I think it hurts the film, but one thing can't be denied: it looks as painterly as possible. Also, the performances are generally great. Bruno Ganz kind of disappointed me, but that's mainly because I consider him one of the greatest actors. His performance here is good, but not at the level of the other films in which I've seen him. On the other hand, the star of the film, Edith Clever, is amazing as the titular character. She becomes pregnant even though she has not had relations with a man since her husband died a couple of years earlier. She must face the prejudices of the time (a good story of a woman up against society, though it's been done better before). The Marquise's parents are played by Peter Lühr and Edda Seippel, and they both give excellent performances as well. All in all, a beautiful experience, if not the most exciting.