Gervaise
Seen it?1956 | 112 min | Romance, Drama
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (80% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite a box office flop. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 52 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Made in 1956: an older pace and style.
Gervaise Macquart is a beautiful Parisian laundress and mother whose lover, Lantier, walks out on her. She eventually marries Henri Coupeau, a roofer who has an unfortunate accident. As her now crippled husband descends into alcoholism, Gervaise tries to make ends meet on her own. Life becomes even more complicated when Lantier returns and befriends Henri. Meanwhile, the man she really loves is sent to prison.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
80% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsSolid
Won 1 BAFTA: Best Actor in a Leading Role. Also nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Reach & staying powerWeak
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
Not enough engagement data yet
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by René Clément
- Maria SchellGervaise Macquart Coupeau, une blanchisseuse douce et courageuse
- François PérierHenri Coupeau - le second compagnon de Gervaise, un ouvrier zingueur
- Jany HoltMme Lorilleux - la soeur revêche de Coupeau
- Mathilde CasadesusMme Boche - la concierge curieuse
- Suzy DelairVirginie Poisson, une rivale de Gervaise
- Armand MestralLantier, l'amant de Gervaise
- FlorelleMaman Coupeau
- Micheline LuccioniClémence
- Lucien HubertMr Poisson
- Jacques HardenGoujet, le forgeron amoureux de Gervaise