Madame du Barry (1954)
Directed by Christian-Jaque

Film Review

On 13th October 1954, the talented film director Christian-Jaque came up with this Franco-Italian production of Madame du Barry.  The film offers a fictionalised account of the life of the royal courtesan Madame du Barry, the last mistress of King Louis XV.  Christian-Jaque had an impressive career (which lasted from 1932 until 1977) and worked with several luminaries of French cinema on classics such as L'Assassinat du père Noël, Boule de suif, La Chartreuse de Parme, Fanfan la Tulipe, La Tulipe noire and many others.

Some would say that this colourful, luxurious film has the charm of a popular historical novel, and an entertaining one at that.  Others might say that although it is an attractive piece of filmmaking, it is somewhat superficial and anodyne.   However, no one could imagine a more seductive and impertinent Madame du Barry than Martine Carol (the first blonde bombshell of French cinema and Christian-Jaque's fourth wife).  Carol brings an exceptional charm to her interpretation of a girl of the people who was fated to become a countess and mistress of King Louis XV.  She is frivolous and funny and the film ranks alongside the actress's other successes - Caroline chérie, Nana and Lucrèce Borgia.

His majesty King Louis XV is gracefully portrayed by the distinguished old actor André Luguet, whilst Daniel Ivernel plays Jean du Barry with honest brutality, convincing as a greedy coward.  The ambitious Duchesse de Grammont and Duc de Choiseul are brought to life by the magnificent Italian actress Gianna Maria Canale (who specialized in the sword and sandal films of the 1960s) and the talented actor Massimo Serato (seen in the American productions of  El Cid and 55 Days at Peking).  The superb team of supporting actors includes Gabrielle Dorziat, Marguerite Pierry and Noël Roquevert.  The reign of Martine Carol (an actress who was not afraid to show herself naked on screen) came to an end when another blonde beauty with the initials B.B. showed up to remind us that God created woman...

Film Synopsis

When the nobleman Jean du Barry falls in love with the stunningly beautiful Jeanne Bécu, he contrives an elaborate plot so that she may become his mistress.  There are two obstacles that Jean must overcome - first, he is already married; and secondly, Jeanne has no title.  He realises that both of these problems can be overcome by getting Jeanne to marry his brother.  When Jeanne is presented at the royal court of Louis XV, everyone is enchanted by her beauty, her naivety and her habit of speaking her own mind.  It is not long before the king takes her as his mistress...