Marius 
Directed by Alexander Korda
Written by Marcel Pagnol from his play
1931/France
Les Films Marcel Pagnol
IMDb page
Repeat viewing/Criterion Channels
“When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching — they are your family. ”
― Jim Butcher
Fanny loves Marius (Pierre Fresnay). Marius loves Fanny (Orane Demazis) but longs for a life of adventure on the sea. Marius’s father, César (Raimu) loves them both. This is a richly human film, filled with marvelous character parts and emotion. The dialogue is wonderful without being too stagy.
Favorite exchange: Wealthy widower who wants to marry young girl – “I have plenty of money.” Girl’s mother – “Nightgowns have no pockets.”
This is the first of three films collectively known as the “Marseilles Trilogy” or the “Fanny Trilogy” based on plays by Marcel Pagnol, who also wrote the source material for “Jean de Florette”, “The Baker’s Wife”, and other films. This trilogy is a great favorite of mine and I highly recommend it. I found that watching the films on three consecutive days only added to the impact.
Fanny
Directed by Marc Allegret
Written by Marcel Pagnol
1932/France
Les Films Marcel Pagnol/Les Établissements Braunberger-Richebé
IMDb page
Repeat viewing/Criterion Channel
When you grow up in an extended family, or in a stable neighborhood with two or three generations of families who live there, you feel seen. Not just the good things you’ve done, the stuff you put on your resume. You know they’ve seen you in your dark times, when you’ve messed up – but they’re still there. – Dean Ornish
Warm, witty, and poignant second part of Marcel Pagnol’s Marseille Trilogy.
At the end of Part I “Marius” (1931), Marius has fulfilled his dream of seeing far-off places by shipping off for five years leaving a devastated Fanny behind. Shortly after this film starts, poor Fanny finds herself pregnant. What would be a melodrama in other hands becomes a literate, surprising, and deeply human story here. Highly recommended.
Restoration Trailer (no subtitles)
César
Directed by Marcel Pagnol
Written by Marcel Pagnol
1936/France
Les Films Marcel Pagnol
IMDb page
Repeat viewing/Criterion Channel
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. – Lao Tzu
After 20 years have passed, the story comes full circle. I’ve reviewed this film here.
