Don Juan (1956)
Directed by John Berry

Film Review

One of the less inspired films that Hollywood blacklisted film director John Berry made during his self-enforced exile in France, Don Juan also marked a low point for the iconic comic actor Fernandel.  This Franco-Italian-Spanish co-production clearly had a substantial budget, which was well-spent on period sets and costumes, but Berry's bland direction and a dull script prevent it from having any real impact.  Fernandel's comic talents are completely ignored and the actor, for once in his career, looks completely lost in a dramatic role, like a stranger in a foreign land.  The same goes for most of the mixed national cast (Fernando Rey being the only face who is instantly recognisable), and you can only assume that communication difficulties between cast and crew was to blame for the lacklustre results on screen. Even though the film is sumptuously shot in gorgeous Technicolor it is unremittingly dull, its production grandeur merely exacerbating the dire insipidity of its script and performances.

Film Synopsis

Don Juan Tenorio has grown weary of his reputation as an inveterate womaniser.  He has had enough of facile female conquests.  He wants to experience real love.  His intention is to marry Inès, the daughter of the governor of Toledo, but she is promised to another man, the Duke of Altaquerque.  Inigo, the chief of police, has also taken a liking to Inès and persuades Altaquerque that she has been deflowered by Don Juan.  When the latter is arrested, his faithful servant Sganarelle sets out to prove Inigo wrong by pretending to be Don Juan himself.   With Sganarelle masquerading as his master, Don Juan is able to court Inès in secret.  Inigo isn't beaten yet, however.  His pride damaged, he is determined to expose the real Don Juan...