Jacques Becker is clearly one of those directors who don't like to repeat themselves, perhaps in this respect it is fortunate that he only made thirteen complete movies (plus several 'scenes' in another four) or he may have been obliged to revisit previous territory. When he shot Falbalas he had just given us a minor masterpiece Goupi le mains rouge set deep in the French countryside and a remote section of it at that. Now he moved gracefully and without breaking stride into the world of Parisian haute couture and urban sophistication. One marvels how, in 1945, he found not only the budget but also the materials for a succession of gorgeous gowns. The protagonist is a celebrated dress designer who thinks this gives him the right to treat everyone like dirt, seduce and abandon models and other employees, friends etc. Eventually he does the same with the fiancé of his best friend. Alas, he falls genuinely in love with her, only to be rejected by both. As these things will it all ends in tears but what a great ride, Becker is in top form and Micheline Presle shows why she was so highly rated albeit far too briefly - less than a dozen years. There is terrific support from the likes of Gabrielle Dorziat, Jeanne Fusier-Gir and Raymond Rouleau in the lead. Not to be missed.
Review of Paris Frills
