Latin Quarter (1939)

A charming 1939 French comedy about a bored banker who reinvents himself as a penniless artist in the heart of bohemian Paris.

Latin Quarter - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Quartier Latin
  • Release Year: 1939
  • Directed by: Alexander Esway, Christian Chamborant et al.
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Comedy
  • Runtime: 1h 41m
  • Original Language: French
  • Spoken Languages: French
  • Release Date (Theatrical): August 30, 1939 (France)
  • Production Companies: Studios de la Seine
  • Production Countries: France

Latin Quarter - Plot

A wealthy banker, bored with his life, heads to the Latin Quarter of Paris where he pretends to be a struggling artist. He falls in love with a student from the Sorbonne and moves into the same boarding house as her while continuing his pretence of poverty.

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Latin Quarter - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Alexander Esway
  • Christian Chamborant
  • Pierre Colombier

Main Cast

  • Bernard Lancret
  • Blanchette Brunoy
  • Junie Astor
  • Yves Deniaud
  • Carine Nelson
  • Jean Daurand
  • Edmond Ardisson
  • Odette Talazac
  • Sylvia Bataille
  • Jean Tissier

Latin Quarter - FAQs

What is Latin Quarter about?

Latin Quarter follows a wealthy Parisian banker who, bored with his privileged life, escapes to the bohemian Latin Quarter and poses as a penniless artist. There, he falls for a charming Sorbonne student and moves into her boarding house, keeping up his elaborate pretence throughout.

Who are the main actors in Latin Quarter?

The film stars Bernard Lancret as the banker-turned-fake-artist Bernard and Blanchette Brunoy as Michèle, the student he falls for. The supporting cast includes Junie Astor, Yves Deniaud, Sylvia Bataille, Jean Tissier, and Odette Talazac, among others.

Who directed Latin Quarter?

Latin Quarter was co-directed by three filmmakers: Alexander Esway, Christian Chamborant, and Pierre Colombier. This collaborative direction was an unusual arrangement for the era, bringing together distinct creative voices for this lighthearted French comedy.

When was Latin Quarter released?

Latin Quarter was released in France on August 30, 1939 — just days before the outbreak of World War II. Its release came at a historically turbulent moment, making it one of the last French comedies to reach audiences before the war dramatically changed the film industry.

What language is Latin Quarter filmed in?

Latin Quarter is entirely in French. It is a French production set in the heart of Paris, and the dialogue, atmosphere, and humor are all rooted in French culture and language, making it an authentic snapshot of late 1930s Parisian life.

How long is the film Latin Quarter?

Latin Quarter runs for 101 minutes, or just over an hour and forty minutes. For a 1939 French comedy, that's a fairly generous runtime, giving the story plenty of room to develop its romantic misunderstandings and the lively characters of the bohemian boarding house.

What are some movies similar to Latin Quarter?

If you enjoy Latin Quarter, you might also like Heartbeat (1938), Marche à l'ombre (1984), The Women on the 6th Floor (2011), and Turné (1990). These films share a similar blend of comedy, romance, and colorful ensemble characters that make Latin Quarter so charming.

Who composed the music for Latin Quarter?

The score for Latin Quarter was composed by C.P. Simon. Music played an important role in setting the carefree, bohemian atmosphere of the Latin Quarter setting, complementing the film's light comedic tone and its romantic storyline between the banker and the Sorbonne student.

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