Caroline Cherie (1951)

On the eve of the French Revolution, a young girl (Martine Carol) of the French aristocracy falls in love with a handsome womanizer (Jacques Dacqmine). But the bloody French revolution parts them and she must endure much to save herself from the guillotine. Based on the 1947 historical novel by Jacques Laurent, the overlong film (it runs over the 2 hour mark) resembles one of those Harlequin paperback romances. Martine Carol's Caroline, like Dickens' little Nell, suffers and suffers until reunited with her lover for a happy ending. But it's very difficult to sympathize with our heroine. She's a spoiled brat of the French aristocracy, there's a reason the French overthrew their nobles. When advised that the Jacobins are on their way and to flee immediately, her first response is, "What about my jewels and gowns?". She uses people to fulfill her own needs even if its to their detriment. Yet somehow we're supposed to admire her tenacity. The film is notable for its day in its near nudity, sexual encounters and rape. Directed by Richard Pottier. With Marie Dea, Jacques Clancy and Raymond Souplex.