Pros: Playing like a tame harlequin romance, this film doesn't really have anything new or interesting or even a twist on the classic boy gets girl pregnant and leaves to pursue his dreams, leaving his child to grow up with a different parent. Fanny (Leslie Caron) insists that Marius (Horst Buchholz) gets on the ship to sail the world because she doesn't want him to come and regret staying behind with her; however, when he discovers the truth, he is likely equally as livid. Given that this is 1950s coastal France, Fanny ends up marrying the older but wealthy Panisse (Maurice Chevalier) who is thrilled about the baby, never mind that it isn't even his. Still, the performances manage to be delightful enough to carry this semi-dated film.
Cons: I suppose the trite plot doesn't exactly do the film any favors, though comedy is sprinkled throughout. The cinematography is also incredibly dated, despite being nominated for an Oscar at the time and yes, I find it unbelievable a bit gross given the age gap (at least four decades) between Fanny and Panisse.
Recommend: Maybe, depends on who's asking
Grade: B
Side Notes:
-Leslie Caron is nearly thirty when she portrays the eighteen-year-old Fanny, who does age about ten years throughout the course of the film.
-Fortunately, this film does contain a happy ending though I wish it would have included a solid epilogue as opposed to one that was just implied.
-This film is slightly edgy for a 1961 film, using the word pregnant and having a show girl in just a bra as her blouse.
-Charles Boyer, as Marius's father, Cesar, earned the Oscar-nomination here and yes, he does solid work but so does Chevalier.
-Buchholz's ascent is basically non-existent in the film which is bizarre as everyone has a French accent which makes sense as the film takes place in France.
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