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Malaire
Noguère, an old patriarch, is about to die and decides to confess at last to a priest. He once lived alone with his son Juste, who helped him to farm the Mauvents land. One night Noguère fired at a couple of trespassers, hurting the girl and killing her fiancé. Giving Catoune, the girl, the shelter of his home, Noguère was forced - however reluctantly it may have been - to break the bad news to the fiancée. For all that Catoune recovered, settled down and later married Juste. After a while Juste left for the war and was soon reported missing. Noguère comforted the distressed young woman so well that she became her mistress. But Juste had not been killed.
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Plot Summary
In 19th century Paris, Madame Malaire, a wealthy courtesan, endeavors to secure her social standing and future through a series of strategic relationships and manipulations. She navigates the complex social circles of the era, seeking a respectable marriage while dealing with the demands of her current lovers and the ever-present threat of scandal. Her ambition is tested as she confronts the moral ambiguities of her life and the expectations of society.
Critical Reception
Malaire received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often highlighting Viviane Romance's performance as the central figure. The film was noted for its depiction of Parisian society in the 19th century, though some found the plot to be somewhat conventional for the melodrama genre of the time. It was a moderate box office success in France.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for Viviane Romance's commanding presence and performance.
Appreciated for its period detail and portrayal of 19th-century Parisian society.
Some critics found the narrative familiar, leaning on common melodramatic tropes.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for Malaire (1952) is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was based on the novel of the same name by French writer Jean-Louis Vaudoyer.
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