Mademoiselle (1966)

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 ... See full summary »

Director:

Tony Richardson

Writers:

Marguerite Duras, Jean Genet (story)

Stars:

Jeanne Moreau, Ettore Manni, Keith Skinner

Won 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 1 win & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jeanne Moreau	...	Mademoiselle
Ettore Manni	...	Manou
Keith Skinner	...	Bruno
Umberto Orsini	...	Antonio
Georges Aubert	...	René
Jane Beretta	...	Annette (as Jane Berretta)
Paul Barge	...	Young Policeman
Pierre Collet	...	Marcel
Gérard Darrieu	...	Boulet
Jean Gras	...	Roger
Gabriel Gobin	...	Police Sergeant
Rosine Luguet	...	Lisa
Antoine Marin	...	Armand
Georges Douking	...	The Priest
Jacques Monod	...	Mayor

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

high heels | pantyhose | stockings | black pantyhose | school teacher | 

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Taglines:

This One is Truly Different!

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Tony Richardson originally wanted Marlon Brando for the male lead, but scheduling could not be arranged.

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Connections

Featured in From the Journals of Jean Seberg (1995)

User Reviews

A forgotten masterpiece!

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!

Details

Country:

UK France

Language:

French English Italian Latin

Release Date:

1 August 1966 (USA)

Also Known As:

Mademoiselle

Filming Locations:

Peyrelevade, Corrèze, France

Company Credits

Production Co:

Procinex, Woodfall Film Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min 100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1