Berthe Grandval Movies
- 1964
When a young man is urged by his self-centered girlfriend to steal a jewel, he barely pulls off the stunt, hiding it in a guitar as he is being pursued. Before long, however, he has a change of heart and decides to dump the girl and return the gem. Now he must find the right guitar -- which may be in the possession of any of five performers. Franck Fernandel, son of popular French comedian Fernandel, stars with Dany Saval, Berth Grandval and Dominique Boschero -- featuring performances by musical talents Charles Aznavour, Nancy Holloway, Johnny Hallyday, Sylvie Vartan and Frank Alamo. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dany Saval, Berthe Grandval, (more)
- 1964
Left a young widower, banker Monsieur (Jean Gabin) discovers that his late wife was having an affair before her death. About to end his life after the news, he is rescued from his misery by a prostitute who was once his maid. Deciding to make a change in his life, he abandons his old one and becomes a valet, passing the girl off as his daughter. Now working for a wealthy man, Monsieur finds that his employer's lonely wife is tempted to try out another's affection. Monsieur saves the day by dissuading the wife, falling in love with the prostitute and deciding to reclaim his prior fortune. This French comedy is adapted by Claude Sautet and Pascal Jardin from a play by Claude Gevel. Sautet would go on to direct some impressive features, including the more recent Un Coeur En Himer/Heart in Winter (1992) and Nelly et M. Arnaud/Nelly and Mr. Arnaud (1995) starring the talented Emmanuelle Beart. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jean Gabin, Liselotte Pulver, (more)
- 1963
Etienne (Jean Sorel) is a young man who seeks work in the coal mines of South France. After experiencing the harsh working conditions, he becomes a labor activist and tries to organize a strike to improve wages and conditions. He is tormented by the mine owner, whose promiscuous wife steps out on him at will. Etienne falls in love with the daughter of a fellow miner, but her loyalty to her father and fear for the loss of his job makes her initially unresponsive to his romantic leanings. The film version of the novel by Emile Zola loses much of the poignant political commentary of the original text. Although the strike is not entirely successful, it paves the way for new considerations of worker's rights. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jean Sorel, Berthe Grandval, (more)
- 1962
The French omnibus feature Tales of Paris is made of four separate romantic playlets, each with its own cast, director, and scenarist. "The Tale of Ella," directed by Jacques Poitrenaud, stars Dany Saval as an ambitious nightclub performer who very nearly messes up her chances for success by bullying a mild-looking but important producer. "The Tale of Antonia," directed by Michel Boisrond, finds housewife Dany Robin exacting a sweet revenge on her cheating husband. "The Tale of Francoise," directed by Claude Barma, concerns the efforts of Francoise Arnoul to test the fidelity of her best friend's lover. And "The Tale of Sophie," directed by Marc Allegret, features Catherine Deneuve as a goody-two-shoes who fabricates a torrid romance in order to be accepted by her sexually knowledgeable schoolmates. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Françoise Arnoul, Françoise Brion, (more)
- 1962
This drama's main asset is Charles Boyer as Pierre, a father out looking for his son one night. Pierre receives a call from a woman who says she will kill herself because of his son. Naturally disturbed at this news, Pierre takes off to find his son and avert disaster. Along the way, he picks up a malcontent, wealthy young woman who decides to stick with him and help him look for his son. After traveling through some of the worst aspects of Paris' demi-monde, Pierre begins to wonder if his son will ever be found. Meanwhile, the relationship with his newfound wealthy friend is heating up. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Charles Boyer, Pascale Petit, (more)
