Yvette Lebon Movies
- 1971
No blame is assessed in this unusual French prison drama, which is based on the book by Albertine Sarrazin. All the usual violence, opportunism and homosexuality are present, but they serve as a backdrop to the story of thieves Annick (Juliet Berto) and Jean (Jean-Claude Bouillon), who are in love. Though they have both been sentenced to quite a few years in prison, the prison authorities permit them to marry. Sometime before, Annick knew a nun, who became Annick's nemesis when she learned she had been conned. When the couple attempts to escape, it is the nun who stops them. The story is told in flashbacks, while Annick writes in her diary. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Juliet Berto, Jean-Claude Bouillon, (more)
- 1967
In this stylish crime drama, a smooth-talking insurance investigator looks into a bank robbery and ends up breaking up two famous gangs involved in a drug war. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jean Yanne
- 1964
Rafael Sabatini's swordsman-turned-strolling actor Scaramouche is brought to life by Gerard Barry in this French/Italian/Spanish adaptation. Denied his noble birthright by the villains, the fugitive Scaramouche hides out with a theatrical troupe, stealing the heart of lusty leading lady Gianna Maria Canale. But Scarmouche's true love is the ladylike noblewoman Michelle Giradon, whom he woos and wins after vanquishing principal baddie Alberto de Mendoza. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
This costume drama is set within the ancient courts of Egypt. It tells the story of Cleopatra's beautiful daughter who is slated to be buried alive in her husband's tomb. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1960
This somewhat inaccurate biography of Russia's power-hungry "Mad Monk" concentrates on the attempts on Rasputin's life, including the (almost un-) successful one carried out by a prince. ~ Steve Huey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Edmund Purdom, Gianna Maria Canale, (more)
- 1945
In films from 1937, Bernard Blier at last essays his first starring role in Monsieur Gregoire S'Evade. The title character is a meek insurance clerk who finds himself the unwitting dupe of a gang of jewel thieves. Worried that he'll be blamed for the theft, M. Gregoire takes it on the lam (hence the title). He undergoes numerous amusing misadventures before he is able to clear himself and nab the real crooks. Oddly, Monsieur Gregoire S'Evade is not listed on most of the published "official" resumes of Bernard Blier's film work, even though it was his "breakthrough" picture. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Yvette Lebon, Gaby Andreu, (more)
- 1938
In this espionage drama, the leader of a spy ring gets a dancer involved in his schemes. The dancer is the mistress of a British officer; at the spy's urging, she cons her lover into stealing secret documents. Unfortunately, the officer bungles the job and gets caught. He goes to prison, but eventually escapes and joins up with the spy. Later his conscience begins to awaken and he exposes the ring. Of the three, he is the only survivor. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Viviane Romance, Yvette Lebon, (more)
- 1938
French director Henri Decoin was married to actress Danielle Darrieux for nearly seven years during which time he cast her in several uninspiring vehicles such as this one. Darrieux plays Lydia, a struggling law student who poses as the estranged daughter of famous historian Jacques Ferney (Charles Vanel). She abuses Ferney's confidence in order to make him adopt her, thus ending her financial problems. Later, the fledgling lawyer finds herself in court, defending a woman in similar circumstances. Vanel and Darrieux are quite good in their early scenes, but the last part of the film seems wooden and contrived. ~ Robert Firsching, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Danielle Darrieux, Charles Vanel, (more)
Zou Zou is one of a handful of French musical films made by the flamboyant African-American entertainer Josephine Baker. The star plays a Creole laundress who becomes an overnight stage success when she subs for a tempestuous diva. She goes on to experience the requisite professional highs and personal lows, and to briefly enjoy the attentions of French matinée idol Jean (Jean Gabin). La Baker's costumes reveal virtually everything but what she's eaten for breakfast, and her dancing is just a step away from obscenely erotic. In short, the film represents Josephine Baker at her outrageous best, making this film a must for fans and casual admirers alike. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Josephine Baker, Yvette Lebon, (more)
