Knave of Hearts (film)

Transcontinental Films

Industry	Film production
Headquarters	London , United Kingdom

Knave of Hearts is a 1954 British-French comedy drama film helmed by director René Clément and featuring performances from Gérard Philipe, Valerie Hobson, and Joan Greenwood. The production was managed by Transcontinental Films, with distribution handled by Cinédis. Filming took place at Elstree Studios as well as on-site throughout London, including notable locations such as Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park. The visual design of the film’s sets was crafted by art director Ralph Brinton. In the French market, the movie was released under the title Monsieur Ripois, derived from the original work by author Louis Hémon.

At the 1954 Cannes Film Festival, the film was in competition and earned the prestigious Special Jury Prize. Financially, it achieved a UK box office total of £119,417 and attracted over two million viewers in France.

Synopsis

André Ripois, a Frenchman residing in London, is notorious for his numerous romantic conquests. His wife Catherine departs to Edinburgh intending to finalize their divorce as a result of his repeated unfaithfulness. During this time, André maintains several simultaneous relationships and becomes enamored with Patricia, a close acquaintance of Catherine’s. He uses various cunning strategies to charm her.

He shares tales of his past exploitation of women—such as Anne, his superior at work; Norah, whom he deserted after a false marriage proposal; and Marcelle, a French prostitute who once offered him refuge—in an attempt to gain sympathy. Despite warnings from Catherine, Patricia remains resistant to his advances.

In a final desperate act, André simulates a suicide attempt by leaping from a window but suffers permanent paralysis. Mistaking his fall for a genuine crisis caused by her actions, Catherine decides against proceeding with the divorce. As a result, André finds himself metaphorically confined within his marriage, compelled to remain faithful despite his nature.

Cast

• Gérard Philipe as Andre Ripois
• Natasha Parry as Patricia
• Valerie Hobson as Catherine Ripois
• Joan Greenwood as Norah
• Margaret Johnston as Anne
• Germaine Montero as Marcelle
• Percy Marmont as Catherine's Father
• Diana Decker as Diana
• Bill Shine as Pub Barman
• Eric Pohlmann as Boarding House Proprietor
• Martin Benson as Art
• Mae Bacon as Mrs. Rose
• Margo Field as Doris Braddock
• Julie Anslow as Maisie Smith
• Harry Towb as Stewart
• Gerald Campion as Harry
• Judith Nelmes as Marcelle
• Arthur Howard as Priest
• Eileen Way as Landlady
• Beryl Cooke as Kind Typist

Bibliography

• Burton, Alan & Chibnall, Steve. Historical Dictionary of British Cinema. Scarecrow Press, 2013.

External links

• Knave of Hearts on IMDb