Promise at Dawn (1970 film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motion picture |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | Jules Dassin |
Key people | Jules Dassin (director and producer), Melina Mercouri (lead actress) |
| Products | Drama film |
Promise at Dawn () is a 1970 American drama film both directed and produced by Jules Dassin, featuring his spouse Melina Mercouri in a leading role. This motion picture is an adaptation of the 1960 novel Promise at Dawn authored by Romain Gary, along with the later theatrical version penned by Samuel A. Taylor.
Plot
The narrative centers on writer Romain Gary as he reflects on his childhood with his mother, who was born in Lithuania. Their journey takes them from Vilnius to Paris, where they confront challenges such as poverty, shifting social dynamics, changing ideologies, and the impending outbreak of World War II over a span of twenty years.
Cast
- Melina Mercouri portraying Nina Kacew
- Assi Dayan as Romain at age 25
- Didier Haudepin as Romain at age 15
- François Raffoul as Romain at age 9
- Despo Diamantidou in the role of Aniela
- Jean Martin playing Igor Igorevitch
- Fernand Gravey as Jean-Michel Serusier
- Jacqueline Porel as Madame Mailer
- Jules Dassin appearing as Ivan Mosjukine
Production
The film's shooting locations included Nice, Paris, and the Soviet Union. In October 1969, during the early phase of filming in Nice, director Jules Dassin endured a severe accident resulting in fractures to both legs after only three days of production. Additionally, Joseph E. Levine, president of Avco Embassy Pictures, made a brief on-screen appearance.