Robert Wise made solo directorial debut with Mademoiselle Fifi, adaptation of two short stories by French writer Guy de Maupassant, starring Simone Simon (Cat People)
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Theatrical release poster by William Rose
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It was written by Josef Mischel and Peter Ruric, based on two short stories by Guy de Maupassant, “Mademoiselle Fifi” and “Boule de Suif.”
The film’s ensemble cast is headed by Simone Simon (Cat People), John Emery and Kurt Kreuger, and was produced by noted B-film producer Val Lewton.
The movie is set during a time when the Prussian Army occupied part of France in 1870.
Produced in Hollywood during the Second World War, in the same year Paris was liberated from Nazi rule, it contains elements of wartime propaganda, evoking Jeanne D’Arc among other heroes of French history, and holding up French people in occupied territory who follow orders as objects of pity or outrage, depending on their circumstances.
Credits:
Directed by Robert Wise
Written by Guy de Maupassant (short stories) Josef Mischel and Peter Ruric
Produced by Val Lewton
Cinematography Harry J. Wild
Edited by J. R. Whittredge
Music by Werner R. Heymann
Distributed by RKO
Release date: July 28, 1944 (U.S.)
Running time: 69 minutes
