Devil in the Flesh
Devil in the Flesh

Movie spotlight

Devil in the Flesh

1947
Movie
81 min
Spanish

Young newlywed girl about to embark on her honeymoon persuades older family friend to assist her in an extensive search for her missing husband. A road-trip full of comical misadventures ensues.

Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Director: Claude Autant-LaraGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

In Vichy France during World War II, a 17-year-old student becomes infatuated with the wife of a Waffen-SS soldier. Their passionate and forbidden affair unfolds against the backdrop of war and societal upheaval, leading to tragic consequences for all involved. The film explores themes of desire, betrayal, and the destructive nature of obsession.

Critical Reception

Devil in the Flesh was a significant critical and commercial success, lauded for its daring exploration of adult themes and its passionate performances. It became a major hit in France and gained international attention, though its controversial subject matter led to censorship in some regions. The film is often cited as a landmark of post-war French cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intense psychological portrayal of forbidden love.

  • Lauded for the compelling performances of its lead actors.

  • Recognized for its provocative handling of mature themes and its atmospheric setting.

Google audience: Audience reception is generally positive, with viewers appreciating the film's dramatic intensity and the complex emotional landscape it portrays. Many highlight the captivating performances and the enduring power of its story.

Fun Fact

The film was based on Raymond Radiguet's autobiographical novel 'Le Diable au corps', written when Radiguet was only 15 years old.

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