Feuillere is cast as the older woman who seduces the teenage Beck. Director Autant-Lara felt that he had a subject that would move all those who had experienced young love, and he found both box-office success and critical approval--winning the Grand Prix du Cinema--but his impression of
amorous youth has no sense of passion. He merely provides scandalous entertainment. As such, the film was the target of religious organizations and was banned in both Nice and Chicago, where it was declared to be "immoral and obscene"--which only further increased the box-office take. Autant-Lara
had previously spent some time in court after accusing Roger Leenhardt of plagiarizing...
Released:
1954
Rated:
NR
Length:
108 mins