Les anges du péché [Angels of Sin] *** (1943, Renée Faure, Jany Holt, Sylvie) – Classic Movie Review 9816

The 1943 French film Les Anges du Péché [Angels of the Street] [Angels of Sin] is a well-crafted and deeply felt, though rather obscure, esoteric and slightly melodramatic début film by French master Robert Bresson.

The scenario is about a young Dominican novice nun, Anne-Marie (Renée Faure), who completely sacrifices herself for the redemption of a criminal, Thérèse (Jany Holt), who had shot the man who committed the crime she had been imprisoned for.

Though the arcane, mysterious and secret religious subject matter may not be to everyone’s liking and ultimately may be known or understood by very few, Les Anges du Péché is atmospheric, spiritual and moving, and well acted by Faure and Holt. Plus, historically, it is important as an early signal that a new cinema giant had arrived.

Also in the cast are Sylvie, Mila Parély, Marie-Hélène Dasté, Yolande Laffon, Paula Dehelly, Silvia Monfort, Gilberte Terbois and Louis Seigner.

Robert Bresson followed it with Les Dames du Bois de Boulogne [Ladies of the Park].

Les Anges du Péché [Angels of the Street] [Angels of Sin] is directed by Robert Bresson, runs 73 minutes, is made by Synops, is released by Les Films Richebé (1943) (France), is written by Robert Bresson (scenario), Jean Giraudoux (dialogue) and R P Bruckberger (scenario), is shot in black and white by Philippe Agostini, is produced by Roger Richebé and Robert Paul, is scored by Jean-Jacques Grünenwald, and is designed by Roger Claude and René Renoux.

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 9816

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