La Ronde
Directed by Max Ophüls
Adapted by Max Ophüls and Jack Natanson from the play “Riegen” by Arthur Schnitzler
1950/France
Films Sacha Gordine
First viewing/Hulu
[box] The camera exists to create a new art and to show above all what cannot be seen elsewhere: neither in theater nor in life; otherwise, I’d have no need of it; doing photography doesn’t interest me. That, I leave to the photographer. – Max Ophuls[/box]
This light look at love and lust features a dynamite cast of French stars past, present, and to come along with the always wonderful Anton Walbrook.
The film is taken from a stage play and remains bound to its roots. The stories play out in Vienna. It is introduced by a cynical master of ceremonies (Walbrook) who speaks directly to the audience at some times and assumes small roles (butlers, waiters, etc.) at others.
The story begins with a liaison between a soldier and a prostitute (Simone Signoret) who offers him her services for free in a fit of patriotism. The soldier moves on to seduce a housemaid (Simone Simone). When he is through with her she seduces an inexperienced young aristocrat who later woos a married woman (Danielle Darrieux). Her husband has an affair with a young girl. The girl falls for a poet (Jean-Louis Barrault) who is having an affair with an actress. The actress follows on with an admiring Count. The Count misses a date with her for an drunken session with the prostitute and the circle is completed.
This is just charming in the way French farces often are. It is set to a very catchy waltz tune. I was delighted throughout though I don’t know how long this will stay in my memory.
Montage of clips – no subtitles
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