Du Guesclin (1949)
Directed by Bernard de Latour

Film Review

In the aftermath of WWII, a French film celebrating France's efforts to resist an occupying power would hardly have come as a surprise (since, as we all know, throughout the war France was a nation of fiercely committed résistants).  However, the taut historical epic Du Guesclin overlooks that embarrassing business with the Nazis and instead takes us back to the 14th century, when France was resisting an even more formidable adversary, the English.  The analogy is hardly subtle but it didn't need to be.  Amid the post-war doom and gloom, France was in urgent need of a quick morale boost and this feisty historical romp provided just that.  And if there's one race the French hate more than the Germans, it's the English...

For the time in which it was made, Du Guesclin is a surprisingly lavish production, chockful of pageantry and authentically staged action scenes.  The costumes and sets have an authentic period look and the story has more than a nodding acquaintance with real historical events.  Adapted by Roger Vercel from his novel of the same title, Du Guesclin sheds light on an important but often overlooked figure in French history and inspires the spectator to discover more about him.  The film's one notable failing is its uneven pacing, which is not helped by some sloppy mise-en-scène which renders chunks of the film unbearably static.  In the first and only film he directed Bernard de Latour shows only a modest ability as a film director and convinced the world he should better stick to his day job.  His assistants included a young Édouard Molinaro, who would come to prominence in a later decade, best known for his now legendary comedy La Cage aux folles (1978).

A surprising choice (perhaps) for the part of the seemingly indomitable hero, Fernand Gravey looks remarkably at ease as a 14th century knight and shows he has the charisma and energy to carry the part.  Gravey's Bertrand Du Guesclin is the epitome of medieval French chivalry, and you can easily see why the knight earned the epithet 'Eagle of Brittany'. Noël Roquevert is equally impressive as Du Guesclin's faithful companion in arms, and Gérard Oury brings the requisite nobility to his portrayal of King Charles V (Oury was a competent actor before he switched metiers and became a hugely successful mainstream film director).  The eye-catching female members of the cast include Junie Astor (Du Guesclin's wife), Gisèle Casadesus and Ketti Gallian, and special mention should go to Howard Vernon and Louis de Funès - even though the latter is on screen for barely a minute he leaves a lasting impression.  Even at this early stage in his career, you can see that de Funès was destined for greater things...

Film Synopsis

Originating from a modest family of Breton landowners, Bertrand Du Guesclin distinguishes himself in early adulthood as a fiercely energetic and valiant soldier.  During the 100 Years War, he quickly rises up the ranks and soon becomes a revered military commander.  During one of his many skirmishes against the English, he is captured and held for ransom.  Once freed, he heads for Spain, to lead the campaign against the King of Navarre...