IMDb RATING
5.9/10
206
YOUR RATING
Adaptation of D.H. Lawrence's classic risqué novel about an aristocratic wife who has a passionate affair with her gamekeeper.Adaptation of D.H. Lawrence's classic risqué novel about an aristocratic wife who has a passionate affair with her gamekeeper.Adaptation of D.H. Lawrence's classic risqué novel about an aristocratic wife who has a passionate affair with her gamekeeper.
Gérard Séty
- Michaelis
- (as Gérard Sety)
René Lord
- Lewis, le majordome
- (uncredited)
Nicole Malric
- La femme de chambre
- (uncredited)
Valérie Vivin
- Petit rôle
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe US release of the film was one of the cases ruled on by the Supreme Court in June of 1959, as to whether or not it was "obscene" and should be subject to censorship.
Featured review
If you go down to the woods today.......
This first screen version of D. H. Lawrence's infamous 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' was released five years before the Regina vs Penguin Obscenity Trial of 1960 and is directed by Marc Allégret.
The trademark Gallic finesse for which this director is known is alas totally unsuited to the 'earthiness' of Lawrence's novel and one cannot help but wonder how some of his contemporaries, including his brother Yves, would have handled it.
Based upon a stage version of the novel its theatrical roots are all too apparent and even allowing for the censorship restrictions of the time this tame treatment does little justice to the original. Monsieur Allégret has avoided the erotic element and has instead chosen to concentrate on Lawrence's belief in the union of mind and body which is fair enough but for this viewer at any rate the result is anodyne.
There is no faulting the performances but the casting of Leo Genn as Sir Willoughby and Erno Crisa as Mellors simply stereotypes the phlegmatic Anglo-Saxon and the hot-blooded Latin. Having said that, Mr. Genn's portrayal of a deeply tragic character cannot fail to engage our sympathies whilst Signor Crisa is not merely a handsome hunk but possesses great sensitivity. For an Englishman Mr. Genn's command of the French language is impressive although some have found it to be incongruous in this setting. The film is essentially a vehicle for the splendid Danielle Darrieux who is luminous as Constance and whose sexuality is, as always, subdued.
Although hugely popular when released it has not stood the test of time and remains, like much of Marc Allégret's output, insubstantial.
The trademark Gallic finesse for which this director is known is alas totally unsuited to the 'earthiness' of Lawrence's novel and one cannot help but wonder how some of his contemporaries, including his brother Yves, would have handled it.
Based upon a stage version of the novel its theatrical roots are all too apparent and even allowing for the censorship restrictions of the time this tame treatment does little justice to the original. Monsieur Allégret has avoided the erotic element and has instead chosen to concentrate on Lawrence's belief in the union of mind and body which is fair enough but for this viewer at any rate the result is anodyne.
There is no faulting the performances but the casting of Leo Genn as Sir Willoughby and Erno Crisa as Mellors simply stereotypes the phlegmatic Anglo-Saxon and the hot-blooded Latin. Having said that, Mr. Genn's portrayal of a deeply tragic character cannot fail to engage our sympathies whilst Signor Crisa is not merely a handsome hunk but possesses great sensitivity. For an Englishman Mr. Genn's command of the French language is impressive although some have found it to be incongruous in this setting. The film is essentially a vehicle for the splendid Danielle Darrieux who is luminous as Constance and whose sexuality is, as always, subdued.
Although hugely popular when released it has not stood the test of time and remains, like much of Marc Allégret's output, insubstantial.
helpful•12
- brogmiller
- May 24, 2023
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Ljubavnik ledi Četrli
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 41 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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