Orage (1938) - film review

Although he is happily married, André Pascaud has yet to experience a true romance and his only passion is his work as an engineer.  One day, when he is about to set out for Paris, his brother-in-law asks him to deliver a love letter to a young student, Françoise.  As soon as he sees Françoise, André knows that she is the woman he has been craving all his life.  She is equally taken with him and they begin an intense love affair.  All is well until Françoise’s ex-boyfriend turns up and threatens to put an end to their relationship...

There is not a great deal to commend this limp melodrama other than its stellar cast, which includes three of the finest French actors of the period – Charles Boyer, Michèle Morgan and Jean-Louis Barrault.  Prior to this film, Michèle Morgan had taken a leading role in just one film, Marc Allégret’s Gribouille (1937), although she would rapidly become one of the best-known and most sought after actresses in French cinema.  Charles Boyer, then a major star, resented having as his co-star someone with so little experience and exposure.  The film was based on Henri Bernstein’s play Le Venin.  Although it is competently directed, the contrived plot (which was dated and unconvincing even by the late 1930s) and distinct lack of passion count heavily against it.  Its only real charm lies in the alluring presence of its lead actress, Michèle Morgan, who appears destined to become a screen icon.

© filmsdefrance.com 2009

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