Promesses (1939)
A quiet, earnest French drama from 1939 about mentorship, moral duty, and the bonds forged between two women and the boys they guide.
Promesses - Movie Information
- Original Title: Promesses
- Release Year: 1939
- Directed by: René Delacroix
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 17m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 24, 1939 (France)
- Production Countries: France
Promesses - Plot
A scout leader enlists a friend of hers who broke off her engagement because of the young man's ruin. Both try to instill in the young boys entrusted to them a sense of duty and honor.
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Promesses - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- René Delacroix
Main Cast
- René Detorès
- Roger Doucet
- Catherine Fonteney
- Lucien Gallas
- Pierre Mingand
- Madeleine Robinson
- Rognoni
- Monique Rolland
- Georges Saillard
- Odette Talazac
Promesses - FAQs
What is Promesses about?
Promesses follows a scout leader who enlists a friend — a woman who broke off her engagement after her fiancé fell into ruin — to help guide a group of young boys. Together, they work to instill values of duty, honor, and responsibility in their charges, weaving personal hardship into a story of quiet moral purpose.
Who directed the 1939 film Promesses?
Promesses was directed by René Delacroix, a French filmmaker active during the late 1930s and 1940s. The film stands as a modest but sincere example of pre-war French cinema, reflecting the moral and social values of its era.
Who are the main actors in Promesses?
The cast includes Madeleine Robinson, René Detorès, Roger Doucet, Catherine Fonteney, Lucien Gallas, Pierre Mingand, Monique Rolland, Georges Saillard, and Odette Talazac. Madeleine Robinson would go on to become one of the most celebrated French actresses of her generation.
When was Promesses released?
Promesses premiered in France on April 24, 1939, just months before the outbreak of World War II. Its themes of duty and moral integrity carry a particular resonance given the turbulent historical moment in which it was released.
What themes does Promesses explore?
At its heart, Promesses is about moral responsibility and the power of mentorship. The film explores how two women, each navigating personal hardship, channel their experiences into shaping the character of the next generation — a quietly idealistic vision of civic and personal virtue.
How long is the film Promesses?
Promesses runs for 77 minutes — a brisk, focused runtime typical of French productions from the late 1930s. Its compact length keeps the story tight and purposeful, making it an accessible watch for fans of classic European cinema.
What language is Promesses filmed in?
Promesses is entirely in French, produced in France in 1939. For viewers interested in pre-war French cinema, the film offers an authentic window into the language, culture, and social concerns of France on the eve of World War II.
What are some films similar to Promesses?
If Promesses resonates with you, consider exploring The Son (2002), Racing with the Moon (1984), Hardball (2001), or All Together Now (2020). These films share similar themes of mentorship, youth, moral growth, and the transformative bonds between adults and young people.
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