La Cinématographie française (May - Aug 1937)

cixxxixixuixxxxxxxxKXxa no doubt that it is the French film which now cornes immediately after American Productions, because of the number of films of good quaiitv. Xo other European country can compete with the numerous big and excellent films which hâve been produced in France this last year. 75 FRENCH PICTURES PRODUCED DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1937 Careful statistics, which hâve just been completed, show that 75 French Featuve Films hâve been produced during the first six months of 1937. Thèse figures hâve never before been reached sincc the advpnt of the « talkie » in France. On thèse 75 films, 30 hâve already been trade shown and exhibited, 25 are completed or in the cutting rooms, and about 20 are in the making. BEST FRENCH FtLMS OF THE HALF-YEAR Hère is a rapid review of the best French films shown since January lst, and especially those of international value. LA GRANDE ILLUSION (The Great Illusion). — Spécial mention should be made of this film, which we place at the head of ail the French films produced and shown this year. It has bee directed by Jean Renoir ; the story, by Charles Spaak and Jean Renoir, deals with French officers, prisoners in Germany, during the Great War. This film constitutes one of the most powerful huinan dramas ever put on the screen ; it is living, natural and true, and everyone will be touched by its simplicity ' and the noble thoughts which it inspires. In this film the French, German, English and Russian characters ail speak their own language. There is no attempt at nationalism or internationalism in this film, which has been treated with great impartiality. Cast includes Jean Gabin, who wins more laurels for himself in this film, Pierre Fresnay, Erich Von Stroheim (as good as in his Hollywood films), and the German actress, Dita Parlo. This is one of the greatest achievements of the French cinéma. LES PERLES DE LA COURONNE Pearls of the Crown). — This much talked of film, by Sacha Guitry, which was released in Paris on the eve of the coronation of H. M. King George VI of England, and which deals with the pearls in the English crown, is the most ambitious effort of the French cinéma, as far as cost and the luxury of its production is concerned. An original story, very witty dialogue, excellent cast with French, English, and Italian stars each speaking their own language; something new and interesting. PEPE LE MOKO. — An excellent film directed by Julien Duvivier, with Jean Gabin, Mireille Ralin, Lucas Gridoux and Line Noro. The subject is an original gangster story, in the Arabian district of Algiers, the Casbah. MADEMOISELLE DOCTEUR. — Directed by G. W. Pabst, a spy story with action in Salonica, during the Great War. German star Dita Parlo, French players : Pierre Blanchar, Pierre Fresnay, Jean-Louis Bar 167 Margaret Lindsay dans Ile de Furie rault, make up the cast of this interesting film, of which Edmond Gréville will make, in London, an English speaking version, foiMax Schach. CARGAISON BLANCHE (The Way To Rio). — This is for adult audiences as it deals with white slave traffic to South America. Kate von Nagy and Jean-Pierre Aumont are the stars of this film, which is well directed by Robert Siodmak. GRIBOUILLE. - Directed by Marc Allégret, taken from Marcel Achard's novel ; with Raimu, Gilbert Gil, and a new French talent, charming Michèle Morgan. This original comedy, of which the story is very clever, is full of good taste and fine wit, and is considered an outstanding success. Among the other French films shown since January lst, let us note : NUITS DE FEU (Nights of Fire). — Directed by Marcel L'Herbier, starring Gaby Morlay and Victor Francen, a Russian story from Tolstoi's « The Living Corpse » . A NOUS DEUX MADAME LA VIE (So What... Life). — A satirist comedy by Yves Mirande, with Simone Berriau, André Luguet and Jean-Louis Barrault. TROÏKA, ON THE WHITE TRACK. — Directed by Jean Dréville, a war smuggling and maternai love drama, in Poland. Jany Holt, Jean Murât, Charles Vanel and Pierre Magnier are included in the cast. BOISSIERE. — An adaptation from Pierre Benoit's novel, directed by Fernand Rivers, with Spinelly. piiiiiiiiiriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuii iiiiiiniiinmnnmus | RAIMU FERNANDEL j | et JULES BERRY dans j Iles ROIS dd SPORT I = Mite en Scène de Pierre COLOMBIER = HXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXYT Let us also mention some good programme films which may interest patrons of some foreign countries : La Danseuse rouge (Red Dancer), Rendez-vous ChampsElysées, Franco de Port (Via Buenos Ayres), Police Mondaine, A Woman of no Importance. FRENCH FILMS COMPLETED BUT NOT YET RELEASED For the first time, French studios hâve shown great activity during the win»"~ season, and it seems that work is regular and that there are no longer periods of two or three weeks during which studio workers were unemployed. The new social laws which resulted in the 45 % increase of the cost of French production, may hâve had the good resuit of balancing and spreading regularity work in the studios. Big French films hâve been made which will probably not be seen before next season. LE MENSONGE DE NINA PETROVNA (Nina Petrovna's Lie), directed by Tourjansky, starring Fernand Gravey and Isa Miranda. This is the only film in which Gravey will appear, in France, this year. Story is in 1900 at the Impérial Courts of Russia and of Austria. Some important parts of the film hâve been shot in the Alps and in Vienna. One remembers that a silent version of this film was made at the Ufa Studios, Berlin, in 1929, starring Brigitte Helm and Francis Lederer. YOSHIVARA. — A Japanese story with action in the days before the 1905 RussianJaponese war. The fanions Japonese-American star of silent films, Sessue Hayakawa, makes his return in this film of which the story is by Maurice Dekobra, and which has been directed by Max Ophuls. Others in the cast are: Pierre Richard-Willm, Michido Tanaka, and Ronald Toutain. Lavish scenery has been built for this film, showing a whole district of Tokio in 1904. LA BATAILLE SILENCIEUSE (The Silent Battle). — A gigantic police film with action in Paris, Switzerland, Austria, Bulgaria, ail, along the line of the SimplonOrient-Express. Pierre Billon who directed this film, shot important scènes on location in Bulgaria and in the countries crossed by the railway. Cast includes Pierre Fresnay, Kate de Nagy and Michel Simon. It is expected to be a big picture. REGAIN. — This picture has been produced and directed by Marcel Pagnol, the famous author and director of Topaze, Marins, Fanny and César, and who also made the film Angele, from Jean Giono's novel. Regain in also taken from a novel by Jean Giono, and its action is set in a little village in the South of France wich has been especially built for the purpose. Fernandel, Gabriel Gabrio, Orane Demasis lead the cast of this typical and outstanding French film. LA DAME DE PIQUE (The Queen of Spades). — Directed by Fedor Ozep, from Pouchkine's novel. This film has a Russian background and is played by Pierre Blanchar and Madeleine Ozeray. FEU! — A patriotic and maritime drame directed by Jacques de Baroncelli, starring Edwige Feuillère and Victor Francen.