Based on the date of the check written by Richard's father at the start of the film, the story begins in early 1924. However, the pocket calendar Simmons views multiple times is from 1925. Also, the day and date Richard's father says he arrives in Europe is correct in 1925, not 1924.
Although the title cards identify Potigny as being located in the Basque country near the French-Spanish border, Potigny is actually located in Normandy, in the north of France.