The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)

A young woman separated from her lover by war faces a life-altering decision.

Director:

Jacques Demy

Writer:

Jacques Demy (scenario and dialogue)

Stars:

Catherine Deneuve, Nino Castelnuovo, Anne Vernon

Nominated for 5 Oscars. Another 6 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Catherine Deneuve	...	Geneviève Emery
Nino Castelnuovo	...	Guy Foucher
Anne Vernon	...	Madame Emery
Marc Michel	...	Roland Cassard
Ellen Farner	...	Madeleine
Mireille Perrey	...	Tante Élise
Jean Champion	...	Aubin (as J. Champion)
Pierre Caden	...	Bernard (as P. Caden)
Jean-Pierre Dorat	...	Jean (as J.P. Dorat)
Bernard Fradet	...	Gas Station Apprentice (as B. Fradet)
Michel Benoist	...	Umbrella Buyer (as M. Benoist)
Philippe Dumat	...	Garage Customer in 1957 (as P. Dumat)
Dorothée Blanck	...	Girl in Cafe (as D. Blank)
Jane Carat	...	Ginny (as J. Carat)
Harald Wolff	...	Monsieur Dubourg

Storyline

16-year-old Genevieve and 20-year-old Guy are very much in love. Her kind mother, who runs an umbrella shop, won't hear of her marrying, particularly as Guy has yet to complete his compulsory military service. Genevieve is heartbroken when he leaves for his army service in colonial Algeria and is upset to have received only one letter from him in two months. Her mother's solution to this situation is kind diamond-merchant Roland Cassard, who has helped them in the past.

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Plot Keywords:

separation | love | shop | military service | auto mechanic | 

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Taglines:

A Valentine for All the Young Lovers of the World

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Genres:

Drama | Musical | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

All the dialogue in the film is sung. It's known as a "sung-through" musical.

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Goofs

During the train departure sequence, a very featured lady saying goodbye to her lover clearly looks at the camera as the two protagonists pass by singing.

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Quotes

Guy Foucher: You have no family. Don't you want to stay here?
Madeleine: What will I do?
Guy Foucher: You'll help me. I'll be lonely.
Madeleine: You don't need anyone.
Guy Foucher: I need you, Madeleine.
Madeleine: Why don't you just say you don't like being alone? I don't see what I could do. I have no influence over you.
Guy Foucher: That's not true.
Madeleine: I don't like what you've become. You hang around with nothing to do. You're sad and bitter.

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Connections

Referenced in Godard, l'amour, la poésie (2007)

User Reviews

Pure romance with a beautiful score

I saw this movie in 1964 when I was 11 years old. It was my introduction to heartbreaking love and this movie probably influenced my love life or how I imagined love was supposed to be. My mother had to lead me from the theatre when it was over because I was blinded with tears. Many years passed until I was able to order the film in VHS and watch it again (about 3 years ago). I still love it. The vivid colors, Genevieve and Guy's beauty and youth, and the beautiful score by Michele LeGrande combine to transport you to a magical place. I loved the fact that every word was sung, but it was not like opera at all. After a few minutes it was as if every word is always sung and talking doesn't exist. Catherine Deneuve was so beautiful! I love this movie and highly recommend it.

Details

Country:

France West Germany

Language:

French English

Release Date:

16 December 1964 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg

Filming Locations:

Carrefour du garage, Cherbourg, Manche, France

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$14,760, 15 February 2004

Gross USA:

$28,030

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$68,991

Company Credits

Production Co:

Parc Film, Madeleine Films, Beta Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR (restored version) (1992) Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1