L'Étrange Amazone (1953)
A French mystery from 1953 in which blackmail, murder, and a hidden marriage converge at a secluded château.
L'Étrange Amazone - Movie Information
- Original Title: L'Étrange Amazone
- Release Year: 1953
- Directed by: Jean Vallée
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 19, 1953 (France)
L'Étrange Amazone - Plot
Michel, a young painter in poor health, enters the grounds of a château and faints when he sees a haughty young woman in the simplest of garb. The chatelaine, Eliane, takes care of him and calls in Pierre Fournier, a Parisian doctor. A disreputable Count Ostrowsky turns up to blackmail her. He is found murdered. But who's the killer? Pierre or Eliane? Quite simply Michel, who, before dying, showed his gratitude to the woman who had taken him in. Pierre and Eliane were living apart, but they were husband and wife. Such adventures unite them, this time, forever.
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L'Étrange Amazone - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jean Vallée
Main Cast
- Madeleine Lebeau
- Gérard Landry
- Jeannette Batti
- Jean Lara
- Lucien Blondeau
- Cautron
- Roger Desfossez
- Max Dharlo
- Gisèle Grandpré
- Prieur
L'Étrange Amazone - FAQs
What is L'Étrange Amazone about?
L'Étrange Amazone follows Michel, a sickly young painter who collapses on the grounds of a château and is taken in by its mysterious mistress, Eliane. When a blackmailing count turns up dead, suspicion falls on those closest to Eliane — until a surprising truth comes to light.
Who actually kills Count Ostrowsky in the film?
The killer is Michel, the young painter. Though gravely ill, he murders the blackmailing Count Ostrowsky as a final act of gratitude toward Eliane, who had sheltered and cared for him. It's a quietly devastating reveal that reframes the entire story.
Are Pierre and Eliane really married in L'Étrange Amazone?
Yes — Pierre, the Parisian doctor summoned to treat Michel, and Eliane, the château's chatelaine, turn out to be estranged husband and wife. Their shared ordeal surrounding the murder ultimately brings them back together, giving the film its bittersweet romantic resolution.
Who directed L'Étrange Amazone?
L'Étrange Amazone was directed by Jean Vallée, a French filmmaker active in the early postwar era of French cinema. The film showcases his ability to blend romantic drama with mystery elements in a compact, atmospheric package.
Who are the main actors in L'Étrange Amazone?
The film stars Madeleine Lebeau and Gérard Landry in the lead roles, supported by Jeannette Batti, Jean Lara, Lucien Blondeau, Roger Desfossez, Max Dharlo, and Gisèle Grandpré, among others.
When was L'Étrange Amazone released?
L'Étrange Amazone premiered in France on April 19, 1953. It is a product of the early 1950s French film industry, a period rich with intimate, character-driven mysteries and romantic dramas.
How long is L'Étrange Amazone?
The film runs for 85 minutes — a lean, brisk runtime that keeps the mystery tight and the pacing sharp. It's the kind of compact storytelling that was a hallmark of mid-century French genre filmmaking.
What films are similar to L'Étrange Amazone?
If you enjoy L'Étrange Amazone, you might also like The Rules of the Game (1939), Manon of the Spring (1986), The Unfaithful Wife (1969), Adieu Philippine (1962), and Dead Tired (1994) — all compelling works from the French cinematic tradition.
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