Based on the novel of the same name by writer Edouard Peisson, this Jean Delannoy film display one boy’s unconditional love for his mother, despite her tragic mistreatment of him. After being raised by a shepherd for the past 12 years, Simon (Pierre-Michel Beck) is reunited with his mother Marie (Madeleine Robinson). Marie is a prostitute in Marseilles and is now stable enough to welcome Simon back into her life. Unaware of her profession at first, Simon is happy to have his mom back, but in time he learns how she makes her living. This troubles Simon but he continues to love her, despite not loving her chosen profession. His anger toward this issue gets directed toward Marie’s louse of a boyfriend, Paul (Frank Villard), and the result is a heartfelt tale about love and family.
Acting
Madeleine Robinson's eyes do what dialogue never could.
Direction
Delannoy frames Marseille as both prison and cathedral.
Director
Jean Delannoy
Madeleine Robinson
Marie
Frank Villard
Paul
Nicolas Amato
Le complice
Henri Arius
Victor - le patron du café
Pierre-Michel Beck
Simon
Edmond Beauchamp
Gilles
Dora Doll
La blonde amie de Paul
Georges Douking
Le paysan
Albert Duvaleix
Le monsieur du taxi
Fransined
Le coiffeur
René Génin
Le premier client de Marie
Jacques Josselin
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Edouard Peisson's novel was controversial for its sympathetic portrayal of a sex worker mother; Delannoy fought censors to keep Marie's profession explicit rather than coded.
This was Madeleine Robinson's comeback after WWII blacklisting allegations; her real-life defiance bleeds into Marie's fragile dignity.
FR
