A big hit in France and also an art house favourite in English speaking countries which launched the Hollywood career of Anatole Litvak. Deservedly so because he does an excellent job ensuring the tone of this works.
This was the first time I'd ever seen Charles Boyer actually act in French and he does a superb job as the tragic Rudolph - seeking love, sulky, wanting change but too weak to stand up to his father, self-pitying (I was reminded a lot of Prince Charles, forever wanting people to feel sorry for him). Danielle Darrieux is perfect as his young lover - naive, enchanting, completely in over her head. Boyer kills the poor thing, then himself - but you buy it dramatically.
There is solid support work from the other actors, and a surprising amount of scenes where characters watch musical numbers at the opera or nightclubs.
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