Emile Beaufort, a former French president, is now living in his country home, surrounded by his memories about his life in politics. As the story begins, the English P.M., Sir Merryl, arrives to pay a visit to his former ally. The visit, although brief, tells us how much appreciated Beaufort was during his public life. Now in retirement and in fading health, Beaufort has been working in his memoirs, assisted by his faithful secretary, Ms. Milleran.
The former president confesses he was married for only ten years, but he had a forty year affair with his mistress: France. It is clear the love Emile has for the country in which he was able to work toward its greatness. One of the worst moments in his life is connected to the ambitious Philippe Chalamont, a man that almost derailed France's recovery after WWII by revealing a state secret to his wife. Emile Beaufort never forgave him, asking him to write a letter just in case he would try to capitalize on his connections to become president of France. In the end, Emile Beaufort thought better of fulfilling his promise, not before having a confrontation with Chalamont.
The film is based on a George Simenon novel, of the same title. Not knowing what the film was about we were looking for the wrong reason when the film started. It has nothing to do to anything prior associated to the author, a master writer of mystery and crime. As directed by Henry Verneuil, the movie is a political drama that is involving, even though French politics of those years are not exactly a subject often seen in pictures. The crisp dialogue was adapted by Michel Audiard, the father of Jacques and Francois Audiard, in collaboration with the director. To Mr. Audiard's credit the sequence where Emile Beaufort faces a hostile parliament is one of the best things in movies about this subject.
The best asset in the film is Jean Gabin. He was a man that brought an integrity and credibility to everything he asked to play. Such is the case with his Emile Beaufort, a man that truly loved his country. Mr. Gabin gave one of his many excellent portrayals for the French cinema in this film. Equally good, Bernard Blier, another excellent actor who matches Mr. Gabin well. Renee Faure is seen as his secretary Milleran. Alfred Adam, Louis Seigner, are seen among the supporting players.
The former president confesses he was married for only ten years, but he had a forty year affair with his mistress: France. It is clear the love Emile has for the country in which he was able to work toward its greatness. One of the worst moments in his life is connected to the ambitious Philippe Chalamont, a man that almost derailed France's recovery after WWII by revealing a state secret to his wife. Emile Beaufort never forgave him, asking him to write a letter just in case he would try to capitalize on his connections to become president of France. In the end, Emile Beaufort thought better of fulfilling his promise, not before having a confrontation with Chalamont.
The film is based on a George Simenon novel, of the same title. Not knowing what the film was about we were looking for the wrong reason when the film started. It has nothing to do to anything prior associated to the author, a master writer of mystery and crime. As directed by Henry Verneuil, the movie is a political drama that is involving, even though French politics of those years are not exactly a subject often seen in pictures. The crisp dialogue was adapted by Michel Audiard, the father of Jacques and Francois Audiard, in collaboration with the director. To Mr. Audiard's credit the sequence where Emile Beaufort faces a hostile parliament is one of the best things in movies about this subject.
The best asset in the film is Jean Gabin. He was a man that brought an integrity and credibility to everything he asked to play. Such is the case with his Emile Beaufort, a man that truly loved his country. Mr. Gabin gave one of his many excellent portrayals for the French cinema in this film. Equally good, Bernard Blier, another excellent actor who matches Mr. Gabin well. Renee Faure is seen as his secretary Milleran. Alfred Adam, Louis Seigner, are seen among the supporting players.