Du Barry, Woman of Passion
Du Barry, Woman of Passion

Movie spotlight

Du Barry, Woman of Passion

1930
Movie
90 min
English

Jeannette Vaubernier, an impulsive shopgirl en route to deliver a hat, dreams of luxury and position as she saunters through the woods, and attracted by a pool of water, she disrobes and plunges in. Cosse de Brissac, a handsome private in the King's Guards, comes to her rescue and they become sweethearts. Meanwhile, Jean Du Barry, a shrewd roué, takes note of her at the millinery shop and tricks her into staying at La Gourda's, where she soon becomes a favorite among the men.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Director: J. Langdon DaviesGenres: Biography, Drama, History, Romance, Silent Film

Plot Summary

This silent film epic chronicles the tumultuous life of Madame Du Barry, a commoner who rises through her charm and wit to become the influential mistress of King Louis XV of France. It details her ascent from poverty to the opulent court, her romantic entanglements, and her eventual tragic downfall amidst the political unrest leading up to the French Revolution. The film captures her ambition, her power, and the dangers that came with her privileged position.

Critical Reception

As a silent film from 1930, critical reception is largely historical and based on contemporary reviews and its place in film history. It was noted for its lavish production values and Norma Talmadge's star power, though some reviews of the era found its narrative lengthy and melodramatic. It is considered a significant example of the historical epic genre within the silent film era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its impressive scale and Norma Talmadge's commanding performance.

  • Some critics found the pacing slow and the melodrama excessive for its time.

  • A notable example of a lavish historical spectacle from the late silent film period.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for a silent film from 1930 is not available.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

Despite being released in 1930, 'Du Barry, Woman of Passion' was filmed entirely in the silent film format. In an era where the transition to sound was well underway, this film represented a conscious choice to continue producing silent pictures, showcasing Norma Talmadge's star power in her final film role.

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