Premier rendez-vous (1941)
Directed by Henri Decoin

Film Review

Danielle Darrieux gives a delightful performance in this pleasing romantic comedy, which was directed by her former husband, Henri Decoin (and not long after their separation).  The film was one of the earliest to be made by the German-run company Continental Films at the time of the Nazi Occupation of France.  For some time after the war, Darrieux was tarnished by her apparent complicity with the Germans during the war, although this was mainly for her time spent entertaining German troops rather than her film work.  Compared with most French films from this period, Premier rendez-vous is a surprisingly light work, seemingly untouched by the terrible dramas being played out on the world stage at the time.

Film Synopsis

After growing up in an orphanage, Micheline Chevassu dreams of nothing but falling in love with a handsome young man and beginning a new life far, far away.  It looks as if her wish is to be granted when she receives a reply to the personal ad she has placed in the newspapers.  Imagine then her disappointment when, on going to meet her Prince Charming for the first time she is confronted by a timid old schoolmaster, Nicolas Rougemont.

The latter is quick to disabuse Micheline of her mistake - he was sent to escort her to her correspondent, a young man named Pierre.  When the authorities discover Micheline's elopement it appears that she will be taken back to the orphanage against her will.  The kind-hearted Nicholas comes to her rescue, by raising the money that will allow the young woman to complete her education at his school...