Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Nathalie Baye | ... | ||
Laura Smet | ... | ||
Iris Bry | ... | ||
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Cyril Descours | ... | |
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Gilbert Bonneau | ... |
Henri Sandrail
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Olivier Rabourdin | ... |
Clovis
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Nicolas Giraud | ... |
Constant Sandrail
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Mathilde Viseux | ... |
Marguerite Sandrail
(as Mathilde Viseux-Ely)
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Xavier Maly | ... |
Edgar
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Marie-Julie Maille | ... |
La Monette
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Madeleine Beauvois | ... |
Jeanne, la fille de la Monette
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Alain Artur | ... |
Le maire
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Adrien Denizou | ... |
Le maire de la Monette
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Yann Bean | ... | ||
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Michel Lamy | ... |
Le père
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1915. Life at the Paridier farm has changed dramatically since the men of the family (Constant, Georges and Clovis) left home to go and fight on the front line. Hortense Sandrail, Henri and Constant's mother and Clovis' mother-in-law, has taken over courageously but, although helped by her daughter Solange, she finds it hard to get by with all the workload. When harvest time comes, she makes up her mind to hire a farmhand but she is too late and no man is available. The mayor then recommends her an orphan named Francine Riant, who could do. Hortense agrees and the choice soon appears a blessing, as the girl proves perfect: well-mannered and respectful, she is also a hard worker who does not balk at any task. Hortense, Solange and her form an effective trio, who make the most of the situation. One day, Georges comes back to the farm on leave and he falls in love with Francine. Written by Guy Bellinger
This movie does not move quickly. But it is beautifully filmed and well acted by a group of actresses headed by Natalie Baye. Not for the impatient, but it will be appreciated by those who can take the time to let it have an effect.
This is life on the home front, in the country The other side of war. No one shot at these women, but their lives were still difficult.
Interesting that the depiction of American soldiers is largely negative. They have plenty of money, and are not interested in "the locals" other than as sex objects.