Naïs (1945)

Naïs is a French film comedy-drama first released in 1945, directed by Raymond Leboursier.  The film stars Fernandel, Jacqueline Pagnol, Raymond Pellegrin, Henri Poupon and Henri Arius.  Our overall rating for this film is: good.


Toine, a modest farm labourer, is in love with Naïs, the daughter of a proud farmer, Micoulin.  Toine’s humble status, and the fact that he is a hunchback, make it unlikely he will ever win the woman he adores.  Her attentions have been captured by Frédéric, the handsome son of a wealthy landowner, Rostaing.  When he discovers that his daughter has been seduced by Frédéric, Micoulin is furious and decides to take matters into his own hands.  Luckily, Toine is there to save the day, even if it means sacrificing his love...

Iconic comic actor Fernandel gives one of his most poignant performances in this touching rural melodrama.  The film was scripted by Marcel Pagnol and resembles many of his earlier works, notably Angèle (1934) and La Fille du puisatier (1940).   The character of Naïs was played by Jacqueline Bouvier, who became Pagnol’s second wife shortly after the film was completed.

© James Travers 2003

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