Monday, January 3, 2011

Marcel Pagnol

Film Still from Le Temps des Secrets

Marcel Pagnol is one of my favourite writers I have read all his books, Manon des Sources and Jean de Florette has to be one of the greatest stories ever told and for me it is definitely up there with the greats.  He is highly regarded in France, his portrayals of life in Provence have been the inspiration for many people to pack their bags and see it for themselves.


 Pagnol with his second wife, Jacqueline Bouvier

Over Christmas, whilst staying at Belle Meres, we were treated to a Pagnol double bill on French TV; Le Temps des Secrets, Le Temps des Amours/The Time of Secrets, The Time of Love.  It is the memoires of Pagnol as a boy and young man growing up in Provence, it was beautiful and some of the scenery shots moved me to tears.  I can only find it on French Amazon and it is not available with English subtitles.

Available here

There are two other fabulous films based on Pagnols early Memoires; La Gloire de mon Pere, Le Chateau de ma Mere/My Fathers Glory, My Mothers Castle, they are available in most countries and with a selection of subtitles.

 

Available here and here


All these films are wonderful and the perfect antidote for the long winter months that stretch ahead.

5 comments:

  1. These were after his 'Marseilles' plays, I think...Panisse and Marius, Fanny etc...and in a very different genre.
    The first I read was la Gloire de mon Pere...and that led me to the others.
    I haven't seen any of the films, so I'll be ordering DVDs shortly...if I can get them to work in Costa Rica.

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  2. I loved Manon des Sources and Jean de Florette. I will definitely add these to my list, such a shame the one you saw doesn't come with English subtitles. I'll keep checking in case it does, they sound wonderful! xx

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  3. Happy New Year.. Thanks for the wonderful info on this talented writer.. I love the picture of him and his wife.. Have a great 2011. Carla

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  4. Wonderful stories and beautifully shot films. Pagnol is indeed one of the greats.

    Happy New Year, Dash.

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  5. I have the same problem. I have seen "My Fathers Glory" and have ordered "My Mothers Castle". I would love to find all of Pagnols films with English subtitles

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