''Louise'' is a 1939 French

musical film Musical film is a film genre in which songs by the characters are interwoven into the narrative, sometimes accompanied by dancing. The songs usually advance the plot or develop the film's characters, but in some cases, they serve merely as breaks ...

directed by Abel Gance. It was screened out of competition at the

1987 Cannes Film Festival The 40th Cannes Film Festival was held from 7 to 19 May 1987. The Palme d'Or went to the '' Sous le soleil de Satan'' by Maurice Pialat, a choice which was considered "highly controversial" and the prize was given under the jeers of the public. P ...

. Described as "wonderfully atmospheric", the film is based on the opera of the same name by

Gustave Charpentier Gustave Charpentier (; 25 June 1860 – 18 February 1956) was a French composer, best known for his opera '' Louise''.Langham Smith R., "Gustave Charpentier", ''The New Grove Dictionary of Opera.'' Macmillan, London and New York, 1997. Life and ...

. Charpentier remained on the set throughout the filming and personally coached

Grace Moore Mary Willie Grace Moore (December 5, 1898January 26, 1947) was an American operatic soprano and actress in musical theatre and film.Obituary '' Variety'', January 29, 1947, page 48. She was nicknamed the "Tennessee Nightingale." Her films helpe ...

, who played the title role. Both

Georges Thill Georges Thill (14 December 1897 – 17 October 1984) was a French opera singer, often considered to be his country's greatest lyric-dramatic tenor. Born in Paris, his career lasted from 1924 to 1953, peaking during the 1930s. Career A pupil of ...

, who played Julien and André Pernet who played Louise's father, were famous exponents of those roles on the opera stage and had recorded them in 1935.Potter, Tully (2003)
Liner Notes: ''Louise''

Naxos Records Naxos comprises numerous companies, divisions, imprints, and labels specializing in classical music but also audiobooks and other genres. The premier label is Naxos Records which focuses on classical music. Naxos Musical Group encompasses about 1 ...

Cast

as Louise *

as Julien * André Pernet as Le père de Louise * Suzanne Desprès as La mère de Louise *

Robert Le Vigan Robert Le Vigan (born Robert Coquillaud, January 7, 1900 – October 12, 1972), was a French actor. He appeared in more than 60 films between 1931 and 1943 almost exclusively in small or supporting roles. He was, according to film academic ...

as Gaston * Ginette Leclerc as Lucienne *

Edmond Beauchamp Edmond Beauchamp (3 March 1900 – 3 June 1985), sometimes credited only as Beauchamp, was a French film and Broadway stage actor. He appeared in 70 films between 1928 and 1979. Partial filmography * '' Misdeal'' (1928) - Le gitan (uncredi ...

as Le philosophe (as Beauchamp) *

Jacqueline Gauthier Jacqueline Gauthier (7 October 1918 – 18 September 1982) was a French stage and film actress.Goble p.115 Selected filmography * '' Louise'' (1939) * '' At Your Command, Madame'' (1942) * '' Frederica'' (1942) * '' Shop Girls of Paris'' (19 ...

as Alphonsine *

Rivers Cadet Rivers Cadet (1 March 1892 – 1 November 1968) was a French actor. Cadet was born Jean Maurice Large in Paris. He was the brother of Fernand Rivers. Selected filmography * '' Maurin of the Moors'' (1932) * '' The Ironmaster'' (1933) * '' T ...

Pauline Carton Pauline Carton (4 July 1884 – 17 June 1974) was a French film actress. She appeared in more than 190 films between 1907 and 1974. Filmography * ''La fille du Boche'' (1915) * ''Blanchette'' (1921) * ''La femme de nulle part'' (1922) * '' ...

as La première *

Roger Blin Roger Blin (Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, 22 March 1907 – Évecquemont, France, 21 January 1984) was a French actor and director. He staged world premieres of Samuel Beckett's '' Waiting for Godot'' in 1953 and ''Endgame'' in 1957.C. J. Acke ...

as Un rapin

References

External links

* * 1939 films 1939 musical films French musical films French black-and-white films Films directed by Abel Gance Films based on operas Opera films 1930s French films {{musical-film-stub