Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Jeanne Moreau | ... | Mademoiselle | |
Ettore Manni | ... | Manou | |
Keith Skinner | ... | Bruno | |
Umberto Orsini | ... | Antonio | |
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Georges Aubert | ... | René |
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Jane Beretta | ... | Annette (as Jane Berretta) |
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Paul Barge | ... | Young Policeman |
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Pierre Collet | ... | Marcel |
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Gérard Darrieu | ... | Boulet |
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Jean Gras | ... | Roger |
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Gabriel Gobin | ... | Police Sergeant |
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Rosine Luguet | ... | Lisa |
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Antoine Marin | ... | Armand |
Georges Douking | ... | The Priest | |
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Jacques Monod | ... | Mayor |
In a French village, Manou is an Italian logger, virile, with a broad laugh. He can't say no to women's sexual invitations, and jealous villagers blame him for recent fires and a flood. He is innocent; the culprit is "Mademoiselle," town schoolmarm, a recent arrival admired by all, but sexually repressed and obsessed with Manou. She sets the first fire accidentally and throbs watching a shirtless Manou perform heroics. Subsequent catastrophes are no accident and express her mad passion for him. Also, after befriending Manou's son, she turns on the lad, making him miserable and raising his suspicions. Her designs, Manou's frank innocence, and the town's xenophobia mix explosively. Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
I just recently saw this film, and I was spellbound. On it's initial release it received high reviews by the top critics, but began to fade almost completely, and is rarely ever heard of, except in film Chronicles, but never hardly anywhere else. I wonder why it has become so forgotten, it really is an exceptional film, featuring beautiful cinematography, intriguing plot, and rich performances, especially by the lead, Moreau. The beginning of the film is shocking, some of the crimes that "Mademoiselle" commits are horribly disturbing and emotionally shaking, especially the scenes where she cruses the eggs and poisoned the animals, oh my, she is evil indeed. Even her more petty crimes seem horrifying, probably due to the wicked expression on Moreau's face, and the emotional consequences on the logger and his son. To me, the film is quite harrowing for it's time, the ending is absolutely devastating. Overall, a superb film, I would place it in with the Psychodramas, classics, art-house or suspense. Brilliantly Executed, Need I say more, just do yourself the favor and watch this exquisite film, it's well worth it! You won't soon forget it!