Toni (1935)

In the 1920s, the Provence is a magnet for immigrants seeking work in the quarries or in agriculture. Many mingle with locals and settle down permanently - like Toni, an Italian who has ... See full summary »

Director:

Jean Renoir

Writers:

Jean Renoir (screenplay), Jacques Levert (based upon material compiled by)

Stars:

Charles Blavette, Celia Montalván, Jenny Hélia

1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Charles Blavette	...	Antonio Canova / Toni
Celia Montalván	...	Josefa (as Celia Montalvan)
Édouard Delmont	...	Fernand (as Delmont)
Max Dalban	...	Albert (as Dalban)
Jenny Hélia	...	Marie (as Jenny Helia)
Michel Kovachevitch	...	Sebastian (as M. Kovachevicht)
Andrex	...	Gabi

Storyline

In the 1920s, the Provence is a magnet for immigrants seeking work in the quarries or in agriculture. Many mingle with locals and settle down permanently - like Toni, an Italian who has moved in with Marie, a Frenchwoman. Even a well-ordered existence is not immune from boredom, friendship, love, or enmity, and Toni gets entangled in a web of increasingly passionate relationships. For there is his best pal Fernand, but also Albert, his overbearing foreman; there is Sebastian, a steady Spanish peasant, but also Gabi, his young rogue relative; there is Marie, but there is also Josefa.

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Plot Keywords:

character name as title | abusive husband | domestic violence | rape | quarry | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Romance

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Did You Know?

Trivia

This film is part of the Criterion Collection, spine #1,040.

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Goofs

At c. 57 minutes a hot dish of ratatouille is taken out of the oven and put on the table. Moments later the baby touches the edge of the dish with no ill effects whatsoever.

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Quotes

Narrator: [first lines]
Narrator: The action takes place in the south of France, a Latin region where, destroying the spirit of Babel, nature knows full well tto achieve the fusion of the races.

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Connections

Referenced in Les joies de la vie: Jean Renoir (1957)

User Reviews

A sad fate for a minor masterpiece

After a long search, I found "Toni" on DVD from Shanghai, China. The price was reasonable and so I bought. Unfortunately, the subtitling was also done in Shanghai. This leads to such subtitles as "An unfortunate elephant violates Se perfume w." About three-quarters of the way through, the picture begins to come apart electronically, and becomes practically incomprehensible. Given all the problems with this disc, I am still glad I had the chance to once more see Renoir's simple, beautiful masterpiece. The subtle distinctions in lighting (especially outdoors), the small but telling camera moves, the reserved yet powerful performances all show the hand of a master at work. Visconti may have been inspired from working on this film, but his films were always pedal-to-the-metal, all-out mellers. Renoir takes a story that's as old as the hills and gives it all of his love, respect and considerable talent.

Details

Country:

France

Language:

French Italian Spanish

Release Date:

4 November 1936 (USA)

Also Known As:

Toni

Filming Locations:

Martigues, Bouches-du-Rhône, France

Company Credits

Production Co:

Les Films Marcel Pagnol

Technical Specs

Runtime:

84 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1