La Princesse de Clèves (1961)
Directed by Jean Delannoy

History / Drama / Romance
aka: Princess of Cleves

Film Review

Abstract picture representing La Princesse de Cleves (1961)
Princesse de Clèves is a lavish period production based on the 17th century historical novel by Madame de La Fayette.  Set at the court of the ill-fated Henri II, the story concerns mainly an impossible romance between a young duke and a young Princess, although it also brings in wider court intrigue involving other historical figures such as Catherine de Medici.   The script was written by Jean Delannoy and Jean Cocteau, who previously collaborated on the 1943 film L'Eternel retour.  Another connection between these two films is the actor Jean Marais, who starred in both films.

Despite its impressive visual feel, Princesse de Clèves is a film which has some difficulty engaging with its audience.  The grandeur of the film's production values (extravagant sets and costumes)  appears to dilute those less tangible elements which are needed for the film to move its spectator - such as a sense of intimacy and passion.  Whilst the dialogue is beautifully poetic in places, it is not sufficient to convey the impression of an all-consuming love and there is a sense that, in the hands of a younger director, with a stronger cast, this could have been a much more powerful film.  Despite these qualms, the film has much to commend it.  It is competently directed by one of the masters of French cinema, offers a convincing portrayal of the era in which it is set, and features the magnificent Jean Marais in one of his most poignant film roles.
© James Travers 2002
The above content is owned by frenchfilms.org and must not be copied.
Next Jean Delannoy film:
Le Rendez-vous (1961)

Film Synopsis

France, 1559.  At the request of King Henri II, a magnificent ball is held at the Louvre Palace in honour of the marriage of the noble Prince de Clèves to the beautiful Mademoiselle de Chartres.  It is a splendid occasion and all the royal court are present to offer their blessings to the newly weds.  In the course of the proceedings, the princess finds herself without a dancing partner and finds she must agree to dance with the first man who presents himself to her.  This turns out to be the dashing Duke de Nemours, and as soon as their eyes meet the princess appears troubled by this providential encounter.  They meet again on other public occasions and it isn't long before the princess has acquired a fond attachment for her handsome admirer.

The Duke is not slow to realise the princess's feelings for him and, as they continue to meet, always in public, he makes every attempt to persuade her to become his lover.  The Princess de Clèves soon finds herself with a terrible dilemma, for whilst she is strongly attracted to the Duke, she is also determined to remain faithful to the man she has married.  The death of her mother comes as such a blow to the princess that she feels she must confess everything to the Prince.  All will be well, she is certain, if her husband will only keep her away from the court and all the temptations it offers.  Alas, rumours that the Prince's wife has taken a lover have already begun to circulate.  The princess's destiny must follow its tragic course...
© James Travers
The above content is owned by frenchfilms.org and must not be copied.


Film Credits

  • Director: Jean Delannoy
  • Script: Jean Delannoy, Madame de La Fayette (novel), Jean Cocteau
  • Cinematographer: Henri Alekan
  • Music: Georges Auric
  • Cast: Jean Marais (Le Prince de Clèves), Marina Vlady (La Princesse de Clèves), Jean-François Poron (Le Duc de Nemours), Annie Ducaux (Diane de Poitiers), Lea Padovani (La Reine Catherine de Médicis), Raymond Gérôme (Le Roi), Alain Ferral (Le Dauphin François), Renée-Marie Potet (La Dauphine Marie-Stuart), Henri Piégay (Le Vidame de Chartres), Piéral (Le Bouffon), Ivan Dominique (Le Chevalier de Guise), Léa Gray (Madame de Mercoeur), Jacques Hilling (Le Médecin), Hubert de Lapparent (Ambroise Paré), Georges Lycan (Le Majordome), Pierre Moncorbier (Le peintre), Josée Steiner (Madame de Martigues), Anthony Stuart (L'Ambassadeur d'Angleterre), Henri Cote, Henri Coutet
  • Country: France / Italy
  • Language: French
  • Support: Color
  • Runtime: 101 min
  • Aka: Princess of Cleves

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