Georges Grey Movies
- 1948
Set during the Napoleonic era, La Ferme des Sept Peches begins with an actual incident: the murder of obscure French pamphleteer Paul-Louis Courier. Through a complicated series of flashbacks and flashforwards (a la Citizen Kane), Courier's life story unfolds before the audience's eyes. The Courier character is played by Jacques Dumesnil, whose awesome task it is to bring dozens of contrary personality traits together into one creditable performance. The maiden effort of filmmaker Jean Devaivre, La Ferme des Sept Peches won first prize at the Locarno Film Festival. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jacques Dumesnil, Pierre Renoir, (more)
- 1941
The Well-Digger's Daughter served to reunite star Raimu and writer/director Marcel Pagnol, who'd earlier scored an international hit with the "Marseilles trilogy" (Fanny, Marius, Cesar). The title character played by Josette Day, is impregnated by aviator George Gray. Her father, Raimu, orders Josette out of the house so that her younger sisters won't be likewise "corrupted". There's many a moment of pathos and hilarity before Raimu realizes the folly of his behavior. Filmed in 1940, just after France's acquiescence to their Nazi conquerors, The Well-Digger's Daughter didn't make it to the US until 1946. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Raimu, Josette Day, (more)
- 1940
Le Collier de Chanvre (Hangman's Noose) is one of the lesser-known works of prolific actor-director Leon Mathot. A death occurs at the country estate of a venerable and highly respected British family, and the local constabulary is willing to write off the tragedy as an accident. But amateur detective Andre Luguet suspects that the decedent was murdered and sets out to prove it despite opposition from the authorities. Upon discovering the guilty party, the class-conscious Luguet offers him the "gentleman's way out" by suggesting a quick and painless suicide. Heroine Annie Vernay is called upon to widen her eyes in terror but little else. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jacqueline Delubac, Annie Vernay, (more)
