Maria Chapdelaine (1934 film)


Maria Chapdelaine is a 1934 French drama film directed by Julien Duvivier and starring Madeleine Renaud, Jean Gabin and Jean-Pierre Aumont. It is an adaptation of the 1913 novel of the same title by Louis Hémon set in rural Quebec about a young woman who becomes involved with a farmer, trapper and an immigrant drifter from Paris. The story was adapted again for a 1950 film directed by Marc Allégret.

Production

The film's sets were designed by art director Jacques Krauss. Location shooting took place in Canada around Lake Mistassini. Some post-production work was also done at the Neuilly Studios in Paris.

Reception

The film was a box office success on its release, ending a run of financial failures for Duvivier. It was awarded the French Grand Prix, and was screened at the Venice Film Festival where it was given a Special Mention. A review in the New York Times praised it as "stirring, full-bodied and tremulously beautiful".

Cast