Jeanne Doré (1915)

Jeanne Doré Poster

Jeanne Doré becomes the accomplice of her son Jacques who unfortunately commits a crime to help his mistress, Fanny, find money.

Film Overview
"Jeanne Doré" is a historic French drama film launched in 1915, directed by the multi-talented Louis Mercanton and René Hervil. The film significant Mercanton's directorial debut. In the movie, celebrated French actress Sarah Bernhardt played the titular character, a lady whose life undergoes significant changes due to her passionate nature and the obstacles she faced in the conservative society of her time.

Main Characters and Initial Display of Challenges
Jeanne Doré, the film's lead character, is a lovely and naïve nation girl who falls madly in love with Marquis de Nantaim, played by Claude Mérelle. Consumed by her love, she participates in a relationship with him, completely oblivious of the reality that Nantaim is a known womanizer. However, as time passes, Jeanne's affectionate nature and genuine love draw the Marquis's attention, and he becomes progressively fascinated with her dedication.

Life Altering Decision and Unveiling Tragedies
Revealing a complete neglect for society's rules or her own track record, Jeanne bears a kid out of wedlock with Marquis. However, the excitement of their romance is temporary as the Marquis eventually abandons Jeanne and their kid. This desertion marks Jeanne's fall from grace.

Following Nantaim's departure, Jeanne, ravaged and destitute, finds herself and her kid dealing with social ridicule. She makes the heartbreaking choice to give up her kid for adoption to supply him a better life. This relocation sets the film's subsequent situations of regret, longing and reconciliation.

Epilogue and Final Turn of Events
The film further chronicles Jeanne's journey, her self-exile from society, the consistent battle with her past and the longing to see her son. The narrative records her tireless efforts to connect with her child without exposing her identity. In a harsh twist of fate, her kid falls for an innocent woman who takes place to be Marquis de Nantaim's child from a subsequent relationship, unknowingly entering an incestuous relationship.

Jeanne, consumed by the desire to avoid this disaster, threats whatever to stop the upcoming disaster. In a terrible climax, she exposes her identity, revealing the fact about his birth and who his daddy is, avoiding the marriage and thus, the scandal.

Conclusion
"Jeanne Doré" checks out themes of social standards and love's bittersweet nature. While the movie is acknowledged for Sarah Bernhardt's intense and passionate efficiency, directorial sparkle of Louis Mercanton, and René Hervil finds significant mention also. Throughout the story, the directors effectively build up Jeanne's character chart, from a naïve girl to a self-sacrificing, love-driven female. The movie concludes on a haunting note, with Jeanne Doré's final act of love and sacrifice symbolising the extreme power of motherly love.

In conclusion, although the movie "Jeanne Doré" is over a century old, it still has themes that resonate today - challenging societal standards, the intricacies of love, and the lengths a mom is willing to go to secure her kid. It's a touching cinematic piece showcasing the transformative journey of its lead character, summed up in the hauntingly significant performance of Sarah Bernhardt.

Top Cast

  • Sarah Bernhardt (small)
    Sarah Bernhardt
    Jeanne Doré
  • Raymond Bernard (small)
    Raymond Bernard
    Jacques Doré
  • Jeanne Costa
    Louise
  • Suzanne Seylor
    Madame Tissot
  • Jean Marié de L'Isle
    Robert Doré
  • Madeleine Guitty (small)
    Madeleine Guitty