Madame Rosa


1h 45m 1978

Brief Synopsis

Madame Rosa lives in a sixth-floor walkup in the Pigalle; she's a retired prostitute, Jewish and an Auschwitz survivor, a foster mom to children of other prostitutes. Momo is the oldest and her favorite, an Algerian lad whom she raises as a Muslim. He asks about his parents; she answers evasively. As she ages and takes fewer children, Momo must do more for her; as money is tight, he tries to earn pennies on the street with a puppet. He's a beautiful man-child, and Madame Rosa makes him promise never to sell himself or become a pimp. A film editor, Nadine, befriends him, and his father appears as well. Madame Rosa reaches her last days in fear of hospitals, and Momo must act.

Film Details

Also Known As
La Vie Devant Soi, Life Before Him, Vie Devant Soi, La
MPAA Rating
Genre
Drama
Release Date
1978
Production Company
Lira Films
Distribution Company
Hen's Tooth Video; New Line Cinema; Warner Bros. Pictures International

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 45m
Sound
Mono
Color
Color (Eastmancolor)
Theatrical Aspect Ratio
1.66 : 1

Synopsis

Madame Rosa lives in a sixth-floor walkup in the Pigalle; she's a retired prostitute, Jewish and an Auschwitz survivor, a foster mom to children of other prostitutes. Momo is the oldest and her favorite, an Algerian lad whom she raises as a Muslim. He asks about his parents; she answers evasively. As she ages and takes fewer children, Momo must do more for her; as money is tight, he tries to earn pennies on the street with a puppet. He's a beautiful man-child, and Madame Rosa makes him promise never to sell himself or become a pimp. A film editor, Nadine, befriends him, and his father appears as well. Madame Rosa reaches her last days in fear of hospitals, and Momo must act.

Film Details

Also Known As
La Vie Devant Soi, Life Before Him, Vie Devant Soi, La
MPAA Rating
Genre
Drama
Release Date
1978
Production Company
Lira Films
Distribution Company
Hen's Tooth Video; New Line Cinema; Warner Bros. Pictures International

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 45m
Sound
Mono
Color
Color (Eastmancolor)
Theatrical Aspect Ratio
1.66 : 1

Award Wins

Best Foreign Language Film

1977

Quotes

Trivia

Miscellaneous Notes

Released in United States Winter January 1, 1978

Released in United States on Video June 2, 1993

Released in United States Winter January 1, 1978

Released in United States on Video June 2, 1993

The Country of France