Le Plaisir (House of Pleasure)

Critics Consensus

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89%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 9

86%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 690
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Movie Info

The works of Guy de Maupassant have likely been adapted by more French filmmakers than those of any other author (with the possible exception of Georges Simenon). Max Ophuls harnesses three Maupassant short stories to suit his artistic purposes in Le Plaisir (House of Pleasure). In "The Mask," an aging lothario (Jean Galland) learns more about himself than he cares to when he dons a mask to cover his wrinkles. In "The House of Madame Tellier," the proprietress of a brothel (Madeline Renaud) closes up shop one day for an unusual (for her) personal mission. And in "The Model," both the title character (Simone Simon) and her artist-lover (Daniel Gelin) pay the price for her romantic impulsiveness. Each of the playlets in Le Plaisir explore conflicting sides of human nature -- a theme common to both the works of Maupassant and the films of Ophuls. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Cast

Claude Dauphin
as The Doctor [The Mask]
Gaby Morlay
as Denise His Wife [The Mask]
Madeleine Renaud
as Mme. Tellier [The House Of Madame Tellier]
Ginette Leclerc
as Flora [The House Of Madame Tellier]
Mila Parely
as Raphaele [The House Of Madame Tellier]
Jean Galland
as Ambroise [The Mask]
Daniel Gélin
as Jean [The Model]
Danielle Darrieux
as Rosa [The House Of Madame Tellier]
Simone Simon
as Josephine [The Model]
Jean Gabin
as Joseph Rivet [The House Of Madame Tellier]
Jean Servais
as The Friend/Narrator French Version
Amédée
as Frédéric
Paul Azaïs
as Owner Palais de Danse
Antoine Balpêtré
as Monsieru Poulain
René Blanchard
as Mayor [The House Of Madame Tellier]
Pierre Brasseur
as Julien Ledentu the Salesman
Gaby Bruyère
as Frimousse The Mask's Partner [The Mask]
Mathilde Casadesus
as Louise [The House Of Madame Tellier]
Henri Crémieux
as [The House Of Madame Tellier]
Jo Dest
as The German [The House Of Madame Tellier]
Arthur Devère
as Employee [The House Of Madame Tellier]
Paulette Dubost
as Fernande [The House Of Madame Tellier]
Emile Genevois
as The Groom
Robert Lombard
as [The House Of Madame Tellier]
Héléna Manson
as Marie [The House Of Madame Tellier]
Jean Mayer
as [The House Of Madame Tellier]
Marcel Peres
as [The House Of Madame Tellier]
Louis Seigner
as Mr. Tourneveau [The House Of Madame Tellier]
Michel Vadet
as Journalist [The Model]
Janine Vienot
as His Friend
Georges Vitray
as The Captain [The House Of Madame Tellier]
Anton Walbrook
as Narrator German Version [The House Of Madame Tellier
Charles Vissière
as Old Man from Normandy [The House Of Madame Tellier]
Peter Ustinov
as Narrator English Version [The House Of Madame Tellie
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Critic Reviews for Le Plaisir (House of Pleasure)

All Critics (9) | Top Critics (1)

View All Critic Reviews (9)

Audience Reviews for Le Plaisir (House of Pleasure)

  • Jun 11, 2013
    One more time, the camera becomes an intangible character, neutral as Maupassant's enchanting vision of the irrationality of pleasure our multiple emotional deviations, but powerful as well; it is a sublime conqueror of spaces that dances around the cinematic rhythm of the protagonists that share the same impulse: <i>plaisir</i>. Wonderful nocturne and multicolored landscapes illuminate the delicacy of the three tales; at some point, it seemed like Öphuls was screaming for a chance to make a film in color. Thank God, he achieved that with his last feature. 99/100
    Edgar C Super Reviewer
  • Oct 16, 2012
    Apart from that natural drawback of most anthologies - being a rather uneven piece made of contrasting stories -, this film is a charming and refreshing experience that benefits mainly from its sumptuous visuals and splendid use of tracking shots and long takes.
    Carlos M Super Reviewer
  • Sep 11, 2008
    The ending will more or less taunt you because it's like the similar conservative quotation from the other classic film,The Great Dictator,with different themes that is.I preach for your flexible safety,denying to accuse the numbness of the man in the last tale.Nevertheless,let it not prevent you from enjoying this gem.A succulent beauty is a fine-maintained delicacy,preferably on the second story,and passion is the fruitful inspiration.
    Dimitris S Super Reviewer
  • Dec 12, 2007
    [font=Century Gothic]"Le Plaisir" is based on three short stories by Guy de Maupassant, narrated by Jean Servais, who puts in an appearance in the third segment.[/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic]1) An old man, Ambrose(Jean Galland), seeks to reclaim his lost youth by attending dances disguised as a young man.[/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic]2) The closure of a popular brothel in Normandy on a Saturday night causes widespread unrest. Well, I guess the guys had to get the testosterone out of their system, somehow...[/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic]3) The tempestuous relationship between an artist, Jean(Daniel Gelin), and a model, Josephine(Simone Simon).[/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic]Aided by virtuoso camerawork, Max Ophuls takes a charming look at what drives us. Is it the passion for what we once had, can only briefly have or something that we hold on to, too dearly? Along with the more material meanings, the religious definition of passion is also brought up.[/font]
    Walter M Super Reviewer
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