Based on the novel by Theophile Gautier, Captain Fracasse begins at the run-down castle of the once-wealthy de Sigognacs. The young Baron de Sigognac (Pierre Blanchar) writes poetry while waiting to join his ancestors in the family crypt. A pleasant interruption is provided by a passing group of players that stops at the castle. The head of the players argues that the young man should see the world with them and his argument is certainly helped by the presence of the troupe's leading lady, Isabella (Lien Dyers), with whom the Baron falls in love. On stage the Baron takes the stage name "Captain Fracasse" and no one in Paris society guesses this hilarious clown is an aristocrat in disguise. However, when Isabella attracts the attention of the evil Duke de Vallombreuse (Charles Boyer), "Fracasse" forgets himself and insults him. The Duke sets out to kidnap Isabella and eliminate his rival. The Baron has only his sword to fight off his attackers and rescue his love.
Alberto Cavalcanti, one of the most famous names in world cinema, directed this classic film. Born in Brazil, Cavalcanti immigrated to France and made his name there with films both avant-garde such as Rien que les heures (1926) and commercial such as Captain Fracasse.
In 1934 Cavalcanti changed both style and location, moving to Britain to make films for the General Post Office Film Unit. After a series of groundbreaking documentaries, Cavalcanti joined Ealing Studios in 1940 as a commercial director helping to create the studio's style with the movie Went The Day Well? (1942) and reaching his peak with the still-terrifying ventriloquist story in the horror anthology Dead Of Night (1945).
Of all the cast members, only Charles Boyer would become an international star after his U.S. hit The Garden Of Allah (1936). However, the entire cast of this film is so attractive and talented, it is amazing they did not all become stars. Pierre Blanchar, who plays Fracasse, was a big name in French films, most noticeably in Un Carnet du Bal (1937). The lovely Isabella, Lien Dyers, was borrowed from Germany where she started with a role in Fritz Lang's Spies (1928). She returned to German films until her career ended in 1935.
Captain Fracasse was made at the end of the silent era in France and boasts elaborate sets and costumes plus dynamic location filmmaking. There are quick cuts and uses of mobile cameras that maintain a high level of excitement. In addition, Cavalcanti and his cast pursue a more realistic style of acting than is often associated with silent movies. The tone at times approaches the richness of French classics such as Children Of Paradise (1945) and the films of Jean Renoir.
Digitally restored from a 35mm print still retaining its original color tinting, Captain Fracasse could hardly look better than it does on this DVD from Image Entertainment. In addition there are two music scores. The primary soundtrack is a piano score by Neal Kurz in the classic style. The secondary score is a modern jazz score commissioned for the film's 2001 showing at Cannes. Written and performed by Michel Portal, the score is best appreciated outside the context of the film.
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by Brian Cady
