This film is based on a legendary story of a rich woman who loves to sing, but can’t. She lives outside Paris in the early 20s. Her immense affection for music leads her to perform in a private club that puts up with her off-tune screeching because of her money. When she decides to go public, a number of sycophants rally around her, while her husband tries desperately to shield her from reality. Although this is billed as a comedy (and it does have humorous elements, esp. when she sings), it’s really a gentle drama about a disillusioned woman, played with touching grace by Catherine Frot. The film could lose about 15 minutes and not miss anything, but it’s still sweetly told with lovely period style. (In French with subititles. Only at Criterion Cinema.)
(3.5 / 5)