Gervaise

Director: René Clément
Starring: Maria Schell, François Périer, Jacques Harden
Year: 1956

Like a Greek tragedy, "Gervaise" is a tale of inevitable destruction. The heroine, Gervaise (Maria Schell), is a Parisian working-class woman during the Second Empire (1860s) who attempts to improve her social status. Her efforts are doomed, however, by a couple of selfish alcoholics-- her first lover Lantier (Armand Mestral), and her husband Coupeau (Francois Perier). The fascination of the character of Gervaise is her courage against all odds and the tragedy of her inevitable downfall and destruction, given the social dictates of the era. (source: IMDB)

Comments: Wonderful performances, especially from Maria Schell, whose eyes and innocently hopeful expression makes the tragic ending of the film even more pointed.

Recommended.