Le Plaisir (House of Pleasure) (1952)

100% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
93% of users liked it
(572 ratings)

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… More 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

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 37 min.
Directed By: Max Ophüls
Written By: Jacques Natanson, Guy de Maupassant, Max Ophüls
Genres: Drama, Romance, Art House & International, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1999 Wide
On DVD: Sep 16, 2008

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
This omnibus of three stories are all conventional ones told in a genteel conventional way, but the camerawork is sensational.
Fernando F. Croce, Slant Magazine
Delicate, savage, essential--infinite Plaisir.
Fernando F. Croce, Slant Magazine
Le Plaisir illustrates not merely Ophüls's unparalleled sense of flow and texture, but also his proto-feminism.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Le Plaisir is a miracle.
Jeremy Heilman, MovieMartyr.com
A minor anthology delight from Max Ophüls

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Featured Audience Ratings

Walter M

[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… More
[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]
Dimitris S

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… More
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.

Cast

            Claude Dauphin as The Doctor [The Mask]

            Jean Galland as Ambroise [The Mask]

            Madeleine Renaud as Mme. Tellier [The House Of Madame Tellier]

            Gaby Morlay as Denise His Wife [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]

            Ginette Leclerc as Flora [The House Of Madame Tellier]

            Jean Servais as The Friend/Narrator French Version

            Amédée as FrÃ©dÃ©ric

            Paul Azaïs as Owner Palais de Danse

            Antoine Balpêtré as Monsieru Poulain

            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

            Héléna Manson as Marie [The House Of Madame Tellier]

            Jean Mayer as [The House Of Madame Tellier]

            Mila Parely as Raphaele [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]

            Charles Vissiere as Old Man from Normandy [The House Of Madame Tellier]

            Georges Vitray as The Captain [The House Of Madame Tellier]

            Janine Vienot as His Friend

            Anton Walbrook as Narrator German Version [The House Of Madame Tellier

            Peter Ustinov as Narrator English Version [The House Of Madame Tellie

            Robert Lombard as [The House Of Madame Tellier]

            René Blanchard as Mayor [The House Of Madame Tellier]
See full cast