Mademoiselle Fifi (1943)

Synopsis: Based on the Guy de Maupassant short story, MADEMOISELLE FIFI tells the harrowing story of the Franco-Prussian War by concentrating on one small French town, the Prussian-occupied Cleresville, and,... Based on the Guy de Maupassant short story, MADEMOISELLE FIFI tells the harrowing story of the Franco-Prussian War by concentrating on one small French town, the Prussian-occupied Cleresville, and, particularly, its heroine, a common laundress named Elizabeth Rousset (Simone Simon). During the bloody war, Elizabeth must battle its demons and find the courage to stand up for her beliefs in the face of collaboration, fear, and barbarism. The film finds its title from the nickname given to Prussian officer Lt. Von Eyrick (Kurt Kreuger), who proves to be the most brutal of the town's tormentors. Elizabeth finds her way home to Cleresville via a tense and claustrophobic stagecoach ride with fellow travelers--the young town priest (Edmund Glover), who will replace the retiring one; a count (Alan Napier) and countess (Helen Freeman); a wine wholesaler (Jason Robards Sr.) and his wife (Norma Varden); and the outspoken liberal Jean Cornudet (John Emery). When the group must stop at an inn for the night, they find von Eyrick is staying there too, and he begins predatory advances on the generous and pretty Elizabeth, demanding she dine with him, among other humiliating moments. Elizabeth shows more integrity and patriotic spirit than her condescending fellow passengers, however, in this critically acclaimed but little-seen gem from director Robert Wise (WEST SIDE STORY, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL) and producer Val Lewton (CAT PEOPLE, THE BODY SNATCHER). [More]

Starring: Simone Simon, John Emery, Kurt Kreuger, Alan Napier

Starring: Simone Simon, John Emery, Kurt Kreuger, Alan Napier, Helen Freeman, Jason Robards, Norma Varden, Fay Helm

Director: Robert Wise

Director: Robert Wise
Producer: Val Lewton
Screenwriter: Peter Ruric, Josef Mischel
Composer: Werner Richard Heymann

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