Samy Pavel Movies
- 1994
The tales of Alphonse Daudet, the 19th-century author, are depicted in this French film. The film begins as Daudet begins writing the tales. Included is the story of a man's visit to his friend's grandparents, a fantasy about a dying baby king, and a priest's trip to hell to visit the devil. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jean-Pierre Lorit, Louis Lalanne, (more)
- 1993
To say that the renowned Impressionist artist, Vincent Van Gogh (1853-90) had a dysfunctional family is likely to do a disservice to ordinary dysfunctional families everywhere. In this unusual drama, the family (and one friend) of the troubled artist gather together to participate in the customary ceremonies that are performed when a close relative, in this case, Vincent, dies. While Vincent's brother Theo (Jean-Pierre Lorit) and his three sisters are genuinely grief-stricken, his mother (Maria Meriko) seems to be a truly stony character, and her cold contempt and disregard for her sensitive son appears to be just as great in death as it was in life. Fans of Vincent's art will be particularly appalled by the woman's attitude to her son's vocation, and more so by at her actions. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Irène Jacob, Jean-Pierre Lorit, (more)
- 1979
This documentary chronicles the life of French singer Claude Francois, who was accidentally electrocuted to death in 1978. Footage from television shows, as well as interviews with his intimates, his mother, and such fellow singers as Charles Aznavoir and Gilbert Becaud help illuminate why he was such a beloved performer. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- 1977
A self-centered and lazy young man, consumed by sexual fantasies and schemes, is forced to marry when his mistress becomes pregnant. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Julien Negulesco, Anicée Alvina, (more)
- 1974
In this Belgian film (in French), when Ann comes to visit the man she made love to in Scotland, she discovers to her surprise that he is a homosexual. For some reason, she does not run back to her home but spends some time getting to know her "new" friend. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- 1972
The woes and heartaches of late childhood come to the screen in this Belgian film. It tells the story of Guss (played by Stephane Guss as a young boy, Sammy Pavel as a man), who is the son of a wealthy farmer. The most vivid moments show a beating he received at parochial school for playing hooky and his first meeting with his estranged mother. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- 1970
- PG
This uneven comedy finds Fred (Ian McShane) as a writer living off his royalties in Italy. Married to the long-suffering Millie (Ann Calder-Marshall), Fred revels in a series of affairs with a bevy of Italian beauties. Millie soon grows tired of being alone and takes up with two Italian Don Juans (Sammy Pavel and Marino Mase). When she meets Grant Granite (John Gavin), the two immediately fall for each other and are unable to contain their animalistic passion. Joyce Van Patten also appears in this effort that barely scratches the surface of comedy outside of a few running gags. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ian McShane, Anna Calder-Marshall, (more)
- 1969
This symbolic film underscores the struggles between a group of visionaries versus the Establishment while wondering about the survival of humankind. A group of young men manage to escape a volcano eruption on their small island. Seeking a new life, they stop at an island between their destroyed island and the mainland. This island is run by Renno, the community leader who offers the men help and a boat to continue their journey. The group conspires to panic the islanders with fear of another volcano eruption in order to take over the abandoned island. Renno has the men jailed for creating a disturbance, but after their terms are served, the men betray Renno by killing off the male population and escaping with the surviving women. The two apparently go off to pursue their utopian ideals where there is one woman for every two men. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gian Maria Volontè, Lucia Bosé, (more)
