This delightful film succeeds because of the talents of all who contributed to it, but mostly because of the fresh, light performance of Daniele Delorme in a role that could have been so much less. The young girl's mother and aunt expend extraordinary efforts to develop her into a high class mistress (without letting her in on the plan). This sordid idea is handled with a sure, light touch, succeeding because of the direction, writing and performances, especially that of Delorme, who is sweet but not too sweet, innocent but not too innocent, and above all bright, fresh and unaffected. Conventionally made, but surefooted, deft and captivating. (Not a musical, and not to be confused with the later slick Hollywood version.)
The TCM print (the same shown theatrically in recent years) has the old-fashioned subtitles that fade away completely when the scene has a white background. If you don't know French you may find it too frustrating to be worth watching.
The TCM print (the same shown theatrically in recent years) has the old-fashioned subtitles that fade away completely when the scene has a white background. If you don't know French you may find it too frustrating to be worth watching.