Du Guesclin (1949)
Directed by Bernard de Latour

Drama / History / War

Film Review

Abstract picture representing Du Guesclin (1949)
In the aftermath of WWII, a French film celebrating France's efforts to resist an occupying power would hardly have come as a surprise (since, as we all know, throughout the war France was a nation of fiercely committed résistants).  However, the taut historical epic Du Guesclin overlooks that embarrassing business with the Nazis and instead takes us back to the 14th century, when France was resisting an even more formidable adversary, the English.  The analogy is hardly subtle but it didn't need to be.  Amid the post-war doom and gloom, France was in urgent need of a quick morale boost and this feisty historical romp provided just that.  And if there's one race the French hate more than the Germans, it's the English...

For the time in which it was made, Du Guesclin is a surprisingly lavish production, chockful of pageantry and authentically staged action scenes.  The costumes and sets have an authentic period look and the story has more than a nodding acquaintance with real historical events.  Adapted by Roger Vercel from his novel of the same title, Du Guesclin sheds light on an important but often overlooked figure in French history and inspires the spectator to discover more about him.  The film's one notable failing is its uneven pacing, which is not helped by some sloppy mise-en-scène which renders chunks of the film unbearably static.  In the first and only film he directed Bernard de Latour shows only a modest ability as a film director and convinced the world he should better stick to his day job.  His assistants included a young Édouard Molinaro, who would come to prominence in a later decade, best known for his now legendary comedy La Cage aux folles (1978).

A surprising choice (perhaps) for the part of the seemingly indomitable hero, Fernand Gravey looks remarkably at ease as a 14th century knight and shows he has the charisma and energy to carry the part.  Gravey's Bertrand Du Guesclin is the epitome of medieval French chivalry, and you can easily see why the knight earned the epithet 'Eagle of Brittany'. Noël Roquevert is equally impressive as Du Guesclin's faithful companion in arms, and Gérard Oury brings the requisite nobility to his portrayal of King Charles V (Oury was a competent actor before he switched metiers and became a hugely successful mainstream film director).  The eye-catching female members of the cast include Junie Astor (Du Guesclin's wife), Gisèle Casadesus and Ketti Gallian, and special mention should go to Howard Vernon and Louis de Funès - even though the latter is on screen for barely a minute he leaves a lasting impression.  Even at this early stage in his career, you can see that de Funès was destined for greater things...
© James Travers 2014
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.

Film Synopsis

Originating from a modest family of Breton landowners, Bertrand Du Guesclin distinguishes himself in early adulthood as a fiercely energetic and valiant soldier.  During the 100 Years War, he quickly rises up the ranks and soon becomes a revered military commander.  During one of his many skirmishes against the English, he is captured and held for ransom.  Once freed, he heads for Spain, to lead the campaign against the King of Navarre...
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.


Film Credits

  • Director: Bernard de Latour
  • Script: Bernard de Latour, Roger Vercel (story)
  • Cinematographer: Nikolai Toporkoff
  • Cast: Fernand Gravey (Bertrand du Guesclin), Junie Astor (Tiphaine Raguenel), Noël Roquevert (Jagu), Gisèle Casadesus (Jeanne), Ketti Gallian (Jeanne de Malemains), Howard Vernon (Lancaster), Gérard Oury (Le Dauphin), Michel Salina (Canterbury), Marcel Delaître (Jean Chandos), Léon Bary (Charles de Blois), Louis de Funès (L'astrologue), Paul Amiot (Le duc d'Anjou), Suzanne Nivette (Soeur Anne-Marie), Jacques Mercier (Bertrand du Guesclin enfant), Alfred Baillou (Le bouffon), Charlotte Ecard (La nourrice), Jacques Hubert (Un jeune paysan), Roger Jan (Un soldat), Robert Moor (Le mage), Paulette Noizeux (Une religieuse)
  • Country: France
  • Language: French
  • Support: Black and White
  • Runtime: 88 min

The best French Films of the 1910s
sb-img-2
In the 1910s, French cinema led the way with a new industry which actively encouraged innovation. From the serials of Louis Feuillade to the first auteur pieces of Abel Gance, this decade is rich in cinematic marvels.
The best of American film noir
sb-img-9
In the 1940s, the shadowy, skewed visual style of 1920s German expressionism was taken up by directors of American thrillers and psychological dramas, creating that distinctive film noir look.
The best of British film comedies
sb-img-15
British cinema excels in comedy, from the genius of Will Hay to the camp lunacy of the Carry Ons.
The best French films of 2019
sb-img-28
Our round-up of the best French films released in 2019.
The very best of German cinema
sb-img-25
German cinema was at its most inspired in the 1920s, strongly influenced by the expressionist movement, but it enjoyed a renaissance in the 1970s.
 

Other things to look at


Copyright © filmsdefrance.com 1998-2024
All rights reserved



All content on this page is protected by copyright