Diary of a Chambermaid (1946)

Synopsis: Jean Renoir's fascination with the theme of the anarchic melting of class boundaries is reduced to simple greed in this film, which he compared to his earlier NANA. Starring Paulette Goddard as the... Jean Renoir's fascination with the theme of the anarchic melting of class boundaries is reduced to simple greed in this film, which he compared to his earlier NANA. Starring Paulette Goddard as the chambermaid Celestine, the film follows her from turn of the century Paris to her new position in the provincial household of the wealthy Lanlaire family. Resolved to use her considerable beauty to land a wealthy husband and move up in class, she sizes up potential candidates. Captain Mauger (Burgess Meredith), the Lanlaire's neighbor is amusing, but a bit too old and eccentric to fit the bill. Georges (Hurd Hatfield), the Lanlaires passive, tubercular son, seems to have possibilities, but he's somewhat suspicious of Celestine and seems concerned that excess passion could kill him. She finally realizes that Joseph (Francis Lederer), the valet, has fallen in love with her and, regarding this as her best option, she consents to marry him and help him to establish a business. But the impatient valet makes off with the Lanlaire silver, an act which leads to unhappy consequences. Described by critic Andre Bazin as a "burlesque tragedy," it features a marvelously over-the-top performance by Burgess Meredith. [More]

Starring: Paulette Goddard, Hurd Hatfield, Francis Lederer, Burgess Meredith

Starring: Paulette Goddard, Hurd Hatfield, Francis Lederer, Burgess Meredith, Irene Ryan, Reginald Owen, Judith Anderson, Florence Bates, Almira Sessions

Director: Jean Renoir

Director: Jean Renoir
Screenwriter: Burgess Meredith
Producer: Burgess Meredith
Composer: Michel Michelet

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