An aristocratic woman is coerced by her impoverished family into marrying a wealthy business tycoon.
Acting
Harry Baur's volcanic rage meets wounded vulnerability
Cinematography
Shadows that swallow the aristocracy whole
Costume
Gowns so heavy with symbolism they practically creak
Director
Maurice Tourneur
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released months before Popular Front victory, the film's aristocratic rot mirrored France's own political anxiety. Tourneur fled to Hollywood shortly after.
Harry Baur, Jewish, would be arrested by Gestapo in 1942 and die in custody. His performance here carries unbearable retrospective weight.
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