Jacques Becker (1906-1960) is considered the filmmaker who bridges classic and modern French cinema. Both tendencies can be enjoyed in Falbalas, a melodrama short during the Occupation and set in the world of high fashion at its most beleaguered. A top designer covets the financee of his best friend; betrayal and tacit collaboration are two of the themes in this dark portrait of the human heart. Released as Paris Frills in post-war America, the film disappeared quickly and was not seen again until a recent restoration with English subtitles was shown at the Telluride Film Festival. Falbalas was restored by the Film Archives of the CNC (Centre National du Cinema), with English subtitles provided by the Cinematheque Française.
France, 1944. English subtitles. Black and white. 95 min.