Le Mariage de Chiffon (1942)
Directed by Claude Autant-Lara

Film Review

Le Mariage de Chiffon is the first of three historical satires directed by Claude Autant-Lara during World War II - the others being Lettres d'amour (1942) and Douce (1943).  All three films starred the petite Odette Joyeux, who gives an extraordinarily moving performance in each film.  Having worked with Maurice Lehmann for a time, most notably on the farce Fric-Frac (1939), Autant-Lara found his own style with this popular "Joyeux trilogy".   His well-honed satire reveals an intense dislike for the conventions of the aristocracy and Bourgeoisie - a sentiment which most ordinary people would have shared at the time.

Film Synopsis

Madame de Bray's overriding concern is to find a suitable husband for her 18-year-old daughter Chiffon.  She believes she has found the ideal candidate in a distinguished colonel, the Duke of Aubières, even if he is her daughter's senior by more than thirty years.  Although Chiffon is readily charmed by the fifty-something military man, it scarcely occurs to her that he might be a future husband.  She has already lost her head and her heart to another man, her stepfather's impecunious brother Marc de Bray.  The latter is too preoccupied with his hobby as an aviator to notice Chiffon, and, besides, why should he feel any romantic leanings towards the little girl he has seen grow up before his very eyes?  One person who cannot fail to notice Chiffon's interest in Marc is his present mistress, the coquettish Madame de Liron.  She is far from pleased to have a potential rival in a prettier younger woman.  The only person who can resolve the deadlock and ensure a happy outcome is the Duke of Aubières.  Realising where Chiffon's heart lies, he gives up his own hopes of marrying her and opts instead to become her closest friend and confidant.  To ensure the young woman's future happiness, he decides to act as a go-between and make her feelings known to Marc...