Au Bonheur des Dames
Au Bonheur des Dames
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Synopsis

German-born romantic actress Dita Parlo (Grand Illusion) stars in this late silent film from one of the masters of French poetic realism, Julien Duvivier. She plays Denise, an orphan girl who comes to Paris to find work in her uncle's small shop, but instead takes a job in the big, glamorous department store across the street. When her employer begins demolishing buildings in the neighborhood, her uncle's store is the last one in the crosshairs. "I see Walter Ruttman's Symphony of a City in its portrait of urban destruction and renewal, presented with a sense of loss as well as a sense of the unstoppable force of progress by Duvivier" (Sean Axmaker, GreenCine Daily). Based on a novel by Emile Zola. Original music by Gabriel Thibaudeau, interpreted by l'Octuor de France. Silent with English subtitles. Julien Duvivier---France---1930---89 mins.

Reviews of 'Au Bonheur des Dames'

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  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
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  | Gerry#1

One of the last silent films directed by the masterful Julien Duvivier is a feast for the eyes. In this story of a small businessman in competition with a major corporation, the camera positively dances through the magnificent scenery. It is funny and gripping and surprisingly relevant to modern audiences. Dita Parlo does a great job as the young girl thrust into the madness. One false note for me is the ending; it seems to contradict everything that precedes it. But I still recommend watching this highly entertaining film.

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  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
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  | Daniel#7

This is one of those overlooked or neglected minor masterpieces from the late 20s/early 30s period when sound films were taking over. The film's story pitting the big corporation (the department store) against the little guy (the neighborhood shop) is still relevant today. Duvivier's direction is very assured and imaginative. As a bonus, there's some really interesting supplemental material in support of the film on the DVD.

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