The Horseman on the Roof (1995)
"Le hussard sur le toit" (original title)

In a time of war and disease, a young officer gallantly tries to help a young woman find her husband.

Director:

Jean-Paul Rappeneau

Writers:

Jean-Claude Carrière, Nina Companeez,

Stars:

Juliette Binoche, Olivier Martinez, Pierre Arditi

4 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Juliette Binoche	...	Pauline de Théus
Olivier Martinez	...	Angelo Pardi
Pierre Arditi	...	Monsieur Peyrolle
François Cluzet	...	The Doctor
Jean Yanne	...	Le Colporteur
Claudio Amendola	...	Maggionari
Isabelle Carré	...	The Tutor
Carlo Cecchi	...	Giuseppe
Christiane Cohendy	...	Madame Peyrolle
Jacques Sereys	...	The old man
Nathalie Krebs	...	Madame Barthelemy
Laura Marinoni	...	Carla
Elisabeth Margoni	...	The farmer's wife
Yolande Moreau	...	Madame Rigoard
Christophe Odent	...	Monsieur Barthelemy

Storyline

In 1832, cholera ravages Provence (South of France). After several misadventures, Angelo, young Italian officer hunted by the Austrian secret police, meets Pauline de Theus, a young lady. After a second accidental meeting, both will start the search of Pauline's husband in a chaotic country.

---

Plot Keywords:

provence | police | austrian | cholera | cleansing by fire | 

---

Taglines:

Their only chance for survival was each other.

---

Genres:

Adventure | Drama | Romance | War

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for a scene of nudity

Details

Country:

France

Language:

French Italian

Release Date:

6 October 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Horseman on the Roof

Filming Locations:

Aix-en-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône, France

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$1,839,000 (USA) (12 July 1996)

Gross:

$1,877,179 (USA) (19 July 1996)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hachette Première, Canal+, Centre Européen Cinématographique Rhône-Alpes

Technical Specs

Runtime:

135 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jean-Paul Rappeneauspent over a year searching for a suitable male lead. Olivier Martinez had to audition several times before he landed the part.

---

Quotes

Angelo: Mother, you always wanted me to be more reckless. Today, you would have been proud of me.

---

Connections

Referenced in 20 Dates (1998)

User Reviews

excellent adventure

This is a 19th century story that is strongly reminiscent of a "knight in shining armor" story of long, long ago. The handsome hero is both committed to his cause of freeing Italy from Austrian rule AND protecting his lady from all harm--even when she stupidly blunders into it on a couple occasions. From start to finish, this is an excellent historical "chick flick" and is likely to excite the passions of many female viewers, but I am a guy (at least the last time I checked) and I STILL enjoyed it. The acting was excellent and the cinematography outstanding. About the only minor problem with the film was the occasional stupid behaviors by the female lead (Binoche). A couple times, she just seemed too stupid to live--but, of course, the handsome hero came to her rescue.

An excellent film, but a little disturbing due to its graphic depiction of plague victims. Plus, with a little nudity towards the end of the film (it was explicit but not gratuitous), this is NOT a film for the kids.