Summary
When she learns that her father is dying, 18-year-old Ludvine leaves
the institution where she has been brought up and returns to her home
village. She is sad and afraid of the future. One of the
men from the village, Gros Jésus, offers her a ride in his
boat. Ludvine is unaware that the man is interested in young
girls and realises too late that he is going to rape her. She is
rescued by a young man named Jean-Pierre, who ensures that she gets
home safely. At her father’s funeral, Ludvine is offered
work by a wealthy fisherman named Vignaud who lives alone on a nearby
island. She declines this offer and instead decides to move in
with two old maids, the Vichat sisters, earning her keep by working at
a shop in the village. Vignaud is annoyed by this rejection but
knows that Ludivine will be his one day. Ever since she met
Jean-Pierre, Ludivine is no longer unhappy. But she has a rival
in Mariotte, a jealous woman who is resolved to marry
Jean-Pierre. Then comes the day that everyone has been waiting
for, the Fair of the Women. After the dance, every unmarried
woman in the village must wait, an umbrella in her hand, for a man to
approach her and propose a little walk in the woods. When Ludvine
is asked by Jean-Pierre, Gros Jésus, Mariotte and Vignaud decide
to turn the situation to their advantage...
© Willems Henri (Brussels, Belgium)
© Willems Henri (Brussels, Belgium)
Review
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- Best French films of 2011
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Related links
- Other French films of the 1950s
- The best French films of the 1950s
- Other French romantic films
- The best French romantic films
- Biography and films of Jean Stelli
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Credits
- Director: Jean Stelli
- Script: Antoine Blondin, Serge de Boissac, Gilbert Dupé (novel)
- Photo: Jacques Mercanton
- Music: René Sylviano
- Cast: Alfred Adam (Armand Vignaud), Etchika Choureau (Ludvine), Jean Danet (Jean-Pierre), Dora Doll (Mariotte Borderet), Juliette Faber, Elisa Lamotte (Michèle Vernay), Christine Langier, Germaine Sablon
- Country: France / Italy
- Language: French
- Runtime: 88 min
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Drama / Romance


