Fanny (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
'Fanny' (produced, directed, & co-adapted by Joshua Logan) is a soapy, sudsy melodrama. But it's also incredibly romantic & full of memorable characters. The tale begins sometime in the 1920's on the wonderfully picturesque waterfront in Marseilles, France. We are 1st introduced to Cesar (Charles Boyer) a gruff-spoken, yet kindly owner of a struggling seaside bar. Cesar's 19 yr. old son Marius (Horst Buchholz) works for him, but dreams of a life of adventure on the sea. Fanny (the beautiful Leslie Caron) is 18 yrs. old & is in love with Marius. She is the daughter of a local fish seller, Honorine (Georgette Anys). And rounding out the cast is Cesar's best friend, Panisse (Maurice Chevalier), a 60-ish yr. old wealthy merchant who has recently lost his wife; but has also fallen in love with young Fanny.
Although Marius would love a life at sea, he is also fighting his own intense attraction to Fanny. Her playful plans to make him jealous both succeeds & fails; as they share one lustful night of passion. At first, Marius is willing to sacrifice his life at sea for Fanny, but then she sacrifices for him by letting him jump aboard a ship the very next morning. After a tense departure btwn. the 2 lovers, he sets sail, not knowing she has become pregnant. Terrified of scandal, and figuring that Marius will never truly love her the way that she loves him, she resorts to a marriage of convenience with 'ole rich Panisse. Matters are fine (for all) for a while. But when Marius returns from sea 1 yr. later, he realizes that he must fight to win-back the extended family he never knew he had. Melodrama ensues.
This is quite the romantic movie. I'm reminded of Marius pleading to Fanny with great urgency, "Only you can stop me (from setting sail). Now tell me that you love me ... tell me now!!" In a later scene, Marius visits Fanny & we expect a sweet reunion. However, it all becomes quite sad as everyone wants a dejected Marius to leave. It's just a heartbreaking scene. And for an example of the film's witty humor, one character says, "I don't mind dying ... it's giving up life that annoys me". The movie's romantic allure is also due to its stunning setting and the charismatic performances from all.
As Marius, Horst Buchholz perfectly captures his conflicted yearning for both a life at sea AND Fanny. I totally bought his portrayal. And Leslie Caron is wonderful as a young woman in rapturous love; struggling to be noble. The relationship btwn. the 2 older gentleman - played by Charles Boyer & Maurice Chevalier - is both poignant & humorous. This movie marks the only onscreen pairing of these 2 French actors. And, as lifelong friends, I think it's great to see that this film finally brought them together. Georgette Anys is also very entertaining as Fanny's portly, loveable mother. I love the way she sells fish from her dockside boat, "You have to insult the customer so they feel they are getting their money's worth!" {haha}. And the child actor who plays Cesario is absolutely adorable.
One interesting aspect of the story here is that everyone is a bit of a victim & everyone is a bit of a villain. Events of the plot unfold; some happy, some sad. That is life. We all have hopes & dreams, but they don't always work out. The screenplay is rich in humor, pathos & catharsis. There are times where I teared up & cried - and then - something happened to make me laugh; often within the same scene. Loved that. I must say, it surprises me by how taken I am with this wonderful old-fashioned movie. It's beautifully crafted with smooth editing, sumptuous cinematography, drool-worthy locales, & a sweeping musical score to boot. 'Fanny' is a warm, vibrant celebration of life & all of its unpredictabilities. And it is the kind of film that I wish were made more, nowadays.
Although Marius would love a life at sea, he is also fighting his own intense attraction to Fanny. Her playful plans to make him jealous both succeeds & fails; as they share one lustful night of passion. At first, Marius is willing to sacrifice his life at sea for Fanny, but then she sacrifices for him by letting him jump aboard a ship the very next morning. After a tense departure btwn. the 2 lovers, he sets sail, not knowing she has become pregnant. Terrified of scandal, and figuring that Marius will never truly love her the way that she loves him, she resorts to a marriage of convenience with 'ole rich Panisse. Matters are fine (for all) for a while. But when Marius returns from sea 1 yr. later, he realizes that he must fight to win-back the extended family he never knew he had. Melodrama ensues.
This is quite the romantic movie. I'm reminded of Marius pleading to Fanny with great urgency, "Only you can stop me (from setting sail). Now tell me that you love me ... tell me now!!" In a later scene, Marius visits Fanny & we expect a sweet reunion. However, it all becomes quite sad as everyone wants a dejected Marius to leave. It's just a heartbreaking scene. And for an example of the film's witty humor, one character says, "I don't mind dying ... it's giving up life that annoys me". The movie's romantic allure is also due to its stunning setting and the charismatic performances from all.
As Marius, Horst Buchholz perfectly captures his conflicted yearning for both a life at sea AND Fanny. I totally bought his portrayal. And Leslie Caron is wonderful as a young woman in rapturous love; struggling to be noble. The relationship btwn. the 2 older gentleman - played by Charles Boyer & Maurice Chevalier - is both poignant & humorous. This movie marks the only onscreen pairing of these 2 French actors. And, as lifelong friends, I think it's great to see that this film finally brought them together. Georgette Anys is also very entertaining as Fanny's portly, loveable mother. I love the way she sells fish from her dockside boat, "You have to insult the customer so they feel they are getting their money's worth!" {haha}. And the child actor who plays Cesario is absolutely adorable.
One interesting aspect of the story here is that everyone is a bit of a victim & everyone is a bit of a villain. Events of the plot unfold; some happy, some sad. That is life. We all have hopes & dreams, but they don't always work out. The screenplay is rich in humor, pathos & catharsis. There are times where I teared up & cried - and then - something happened to make me laugh; often within the same scene. Loved that. I must say, it surprises me by how taken I am with this wonderful old-fashioned movie. It's beautifully crafted with smooth editing, sumptuous cinematography, drool-worthy locales, & a sweeping musical score to boot. 'Fanny' is a warm, vibrant celebration of life & all of its unpredictabilities. And it is the kind of film that I wish were made more, nowadays.