Fanny (1961)

One of the Best

"Fanny" is one of my all time favorite films. Based on an original French Trilogy (Marius, Fanny and Panisse) it started as a broadway musical. In the film, the music is relegated to background music, which actually serves the film well, providing touching moments. The films stars are at their best-you have Fanny (Leslie Caron in a luminous performance) in love with Marius (Horst Buchholz) sone of bar keeper played by Charles Boyer, Who dreams of his son taking over the business. Marius has other plans and wants to see the world by becoming a seaman. Before he leaves he and Fanny spend the night together. While he is gone, Fanny finds herself pregnant and accepts the proposal of older (much!) and wealthy merchant Panisse (Maurice Chevalier). Marius returns to find out what has happened and learns a valuable lesson-you can't always change things to what you want. A great Film and very touching! July 13, 2008

Just Brilliant

I saw this film years ago and have been waiting ever since to see it again. It is just brilliant, do see it and enjoy one of the most romantic films ever. It is Leslie Caron at her best. June 27, 2008

All the love stories rolled into one.....

"CÉSAR: You know, Marius, a woman's honor is like a match. You can only use it once." (Charles Boyer in "Fanny," 1961)

When my husband and I were renting a car in Toulouse, we were asked if we were going into Marseille because, if we were, we needed to purchase extra insurance. We assumed that this was because Marseille was an especially hazardous place; our plans had not included venturing there, anyway. In spite of its perilous reputation, Marseille, the ancient port city founded by the Greeks, would be fascinating to visit. Of the many films that take place in Marseille, my favorite is "Fanny," based upon the musical of the same name. Both film and musical were taken from a trilogy of plays by French writer Marcel Pagnol. Leslie Caron is radiant in the title role; Horst Buchholz plays the intense Marius, torn between love for Fanny and a desire to see the world. Maurice Chevalier is Panisse, the well-to-do elderly merchant who marries Fanny and adopts her baby as his own. The best of all is Charles Boyer as César, Marius' father. In his earlier roles Boyer was so handsome and suave that it distracted from his acting abilities. As the crusty, aging owner of the waterfront café, he shines with earthy wisdom, and becomes the conscience for the other characters.

In a effort to keep Marius from going to sea, Fanny gives herself to him, to no avail. Seeing that he is aching to leave Marseille, she releases him from their engagement. He is unaware that she is with child. Fanny is covered with shame and regret. Truly resplendent is the scene in which Fanny visits the cathedral to beg forgiveness, imploring the Holy Virgin for guidance. She decides to do what will be best for the baby and marry the worthy Panisse. Panisse showers Fanny and her son with love and care. When Marius returns and Fanny is tempted to betray Panisse, she chooses honor and duty over passion. She has learned her lesson. And yet, throughout the film, her eyes convey longing for Marius and her sorrow over losing him. But all is not lost; her sacrifices are abundantly rewarded.

The film shows how the coming of a child can be the catalyst for positive change in many lives, even though the original circumstances were far from ideal. By surrendering to God, Fanny's fall from grace is transformed into a channel of blessings. June 20, 2008

Fanny...at last!

Joshua Logan's "Fanny" has finally made it to DVD after almost fifty years. A masterpiece of romantic comedy and Gallic whimsy based on three plays, the "Marseilles Trilogy," by Marcel Pagnol, it features an extraordinary cast of veteran stars and supporting players. Especially notable is the performance of Horst Buchholz as Marius. Pagnol himself called it the best Marius he had ever seen. A not-to-be-missed affirmation of love and life... June 19, 2008

Finally Fanny!

One of my favorite movies. Totally charming! Beautifully photographed and acted, it's simply a joy. The soundtrack taken from the Harold Rome Broadway score, is romantic and lovely. Impossible not to be moved by the wonderful story. The best of Logan and Caron. I hope the dvd transfer does justice to the gorgeous Jack Cardiff cinematography. June 11, 2008

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