Wild Fruit
Wild Fruit

Wild Fruit

1954Movie94 minFrench

Lyon, 1953. Maria Manzana is the oldest of a family with five children and the only one who has a job. Maria's mother is deceased and her father is regularly drunk and violent. One evening when he wants to beat his daughter Christine, Mary helps her sister and accidentally she kills her father. At Maria's advice the family would prefer to flee. Anna, the girlfriend of Mary's brother Michael, accompanies them. Michael doesn't want to leave her behind. A friendly trucker brings Mary and her company to the south. The group then walks on deserted roads to a village, that was abandoned more than 25 years ago due to lack of water.

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Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Director: Robert AldrichGenres: Drama, Film Noir

Plot Summary

A wealthy, aging widow living in a secluded mansion becomes increasingly obsessed with her young, handsome gardener. As her infatuation deepens, it triggers a dangerous and manipulative game of control and desire. The arrival of her estranged daughter and her fiancé further complicates the volatile situation, leading to a tense confrontation with tragic consequences.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Wild Fruit' (also known as 'Autumn Leaves') received mixed reviews. While Joan Crawford's performance was often praised for its intensity, the film's melodramatic plot and dark themes were divisive among critics. Audiences were similarly split, with some appreciating the psychological tension and others finding the story overly sensational.

What Reviewers Say

  • Joan Crawford delivers a compelling, albeit overwrought, performance as a possessive matriarch.
  • The film's noir elements and psychological drama create a dark and intense atmosphere.
  • The plot is often criticized for being melodramatic and predictable.

Google audience: Audience reviews are largely absent or difficult to find for this older film, making a specific summary of Google user sentiment impossible to ascertain.

Fun Fact

The film was originally titled 'Autumn Leaves' and was one of Joan Crawford's final starring roles in a major studio picture before she moved on to more independent productions.

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