Le Plaisir (1952)

Max Ophuls' film consists of three short stories from the pen of Guy de Maupassant which he imbues with his fluid camera and visual expertise. The first story THE MASK concerns an aging roue (Jean Galland) trying to relive his youthful indiscretions. The third THE MODEL focuses on the neurotic relationship between an artist (Daniel Gelin) and his model (Simone Simon). But the film's exquisite centerpiece is THE HOUSE OF MADAM TELLIER in which a madam (Madeleine Renaud) closes down her brothel in order to take her "girls" (including the wonderful Danielle Darrieux) with her to the country to attend the first communion of her brother's (Jean Gabin) daughter (Jocelyne Jany). While perhaps not as perfectly realized as EARRINGS OF MADAME DE..., it remains a sterling example of Ophuls' art. With Claude Dauphin, Gaby Morlay, Pierre Brasseur, Paulette Dubost and Jean Servais.