Les Belles de Nuit [Beauties of the Night] *** (1952, Gérard Philipe, Martine Carol, Gina Lollobrigida) – Classic Movie Review 5711

The dashingly handsome but poor young piano instructor/ composer Claude (Gérard Philipe) takes refuge in transferring memories of the women he meets into reveries of close encounters with gorgeous ladies in historical settings in writer-director René Clair’s charming and affecting 1952 romantic comedy fantasy film.

Gina Lollobrigida as Leïla, La caissière du Grand Café  in 1830, and Martine Carol, as Edmée de Villebois in 1900, are the most famous star names among the Beauties of the Night whom Claude falls for. [Spoiler alert] Finally, though, he accepts real romance with his pretty neighbour Suzanne (Magali de Vendeuil), la fille du garagiste in 1789.

The acting quality is there on screen and the light-as-Clair spell beguiles. But perhaps his film is slightly shorter on imagination and depth this time. The result is minor but not negligible Clair, boasting more charm than invention. The advertising describes it modestly as a ‘bon bon’ and that’s exactly what it is – sweet.

Queen Elizabeth II attended the British premiere but, even so, the reception from both the press and the public was grudging in the UK.

Also in the cast are Marilyn Buferd as Madame Bonacieux La postière, Paolo Stoppa as Le directeur de l’Opéra, Raymond Cordy as Gaston Le marquis and Raymond Bussières as Roger le garagiste.

It is shot in black and white by Armand Thirard, scored by Georges Van Parys and designed by Léon Barsacq.

Tragically, Gérard Philipe died of liver cancer on 25 November 1959, aged only 36.

Gina Lollobrigida turns 90 on 4 July 2017.

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 5711

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