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Features: DVD, Aspect Ratio 1.52:1
Jacques Becker lovingly evokes the Belle Époque Parisian demimonde in this classic tale of doomed romance. When gangster’s moll Marie (Simone Signoret) falls for reformed criminal Manda (Serge Reggiani), their passion incites an underworld rivalry that leads inexorably to treachery and tragedy. With poignant, nuanced performances and sensuous black-and-white photography, Casque d’or is Becker at the height of his cinematic powers—an achingly romantic masterpiece.
Editor's Note
Starring international sex symbol Simone Signoret, CASQUE D'OR is often considered director Jacques Becker's masterpiece. Becker was an assistant to the legendary Jean Renoir, and Renoir's influence on Becker is readily apparent in this poetic, impressionist film. Signoret plays Marie, the girlfriend of a minor gangster, who falls in love with a working man. Their love affair leads to a power struggle within the gang and speeds everyone inexorably towards tragedy. CASQUE D'OR features a diligent and careful production design that recreates Paris of the late 19th century, and was based on actual criminal cases from that era. Though dismissed on its initial release in 1952, aside from a BAFTA acting award for Signoret, the critical reputation of CASQUE D'OR grew in subsequent years and is now generally considered one of France's great artistic films.
| Features | New and improved English subtitle translation | | Excerpt from an episode of the French television series Cinéastes de notre temps, dedicated to Jacques Becker | | Rare, silent behind-the-scenes footage of Becker on the set, with commentary by film scholar Philip Kemp | | New essay by Kemp | | New, restored high-definition digital transfer | | Audio commentary by film scholar Peter Cowie | | 1995 video interview with actor Serge Reggiani1963 interview with actress Simone Signoret from the French television program Cinépanorama |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Home Vision/Public Media |
| Release Date: 1/18/2005 |
| Running Time: 94 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1952 | | Catalog ID: 070 | | UPC: 00037429202326 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: French | | Available Audio Tracks: French | | Available Subtitles: English | | Video: B&W |
| Cast & Crew
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| | Professional Reviews | Entertainment Weekly
"Becker evokes the world of apaches -- edgy nightlife, division of spoils -- meticulously, and the actors shun sentimentality." 01/28/2005 p.69USA Today
"With its painterly feel for the period, this lushly romantic period piece helped make Signoret an international star." 01/21/2005 p.5E |
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