A Caprice of Darling Caroline
Un caprice de Caroline chérie (English: A Caprice of Darling Caroline) is a 1953 French historical comedy directed by Jean Devaivre and featuring performances by Martine Carol, Jacques Dacqmine, and Marthe Mercadier. This film serves as the follow-up to the 1951 hit Darling Caroline and is adapted from Jacques Laurent's 1950 novel. The production was handled by Cinéphonic and Gaumont, with filming taking place at the Boulogne Studios in Paris. The visual design was crafted by art director Jacques Krauss. Importantly, it stands out as one of the earliest French productions to utilize Technicolor, which contributed to its commercial appeal.
Cast
- Martine Carol portraying Caroline de Bièvre
- Jacques Dacqmine as Gaston de Sallanches
- Marthe Mercadier in the role of Ida
- Véra Norman playing Comtesse Paolina Ruccelli
- Jean Pâqui as Captain de Cépoys
- Jean-Claude Pascal in the role of Livio
- Denise Provence as Comtesse Clélia de Montelone
- Jean Tissier portraying the treasurer-paymaster
- Mady Berry as Marquise de Montelone
- Christine Carère in the role of Chekina
- Gil Delamare playing Lieutenant Berthier
- Jacques Dufilho as Giuseppe
- Claire Maurier portraying Jeannette, Caroline's lady's maid
- René Mazé in the role of the drummer
- Alexandre Rignault as the violator
Reception
While reactions to the film were varied, it succeeded in sustaining audience interest due to the popularity of its predecessor. Nevertheless, it faced criticism from certain quarters, including Cardinal Pierre-Marie Gerlier, who condemned it as "a scandalous display of vice," highlighting the era's social and cultural sensitivities that influenced its reception.
Bibliography
- Crisp, C.G. The Classic French Cinema, 1930-1960. Indiana University Press, 1993.
- Goble, Alan. The Complete Index to Literary Sources in Film. Walter de Gruyter, 1999.