teawoman_2000 Review of The Grand Maneuver

The Grand Maneuver (1955)

A charming acid film on courtship (attention spoilers)

[31 January 2004]

I couldn't disagree more with the disappointed viewer. Maybe my Frenchness helps me put up with the "chauvinism" depicted in the film (lord knows I'm not into male chauvinists, but this film doesn't necessarily treat them well), the fact is I love it and this is one of my favourite films. Gérard Philipe is wonderful (his character isn't that bad - he is very good at pulling women and very charming, and besides none of this does him any good, he is unhappy in the end), Michèle Morgan has quite a few good lines, I like the music and the song (Magali Noël sings in the movie), and the supporting cast is grand. Sure, Le Million is a great film, but Les Grandes Manoeuvres is nothing René Clair should be ashamed of.