La Femme Fatale

Juliette Groumet, a housemaid in a wealthy family, envies the luxury in which her employers live. Determined to live the good life one day, she is prepared to do anything to achieve her aim. Maurice, her masters' son is first to fall prey to her spell. Outright intoxicated by her, the young man puts her in a luxurious Paris apartment. But the day Maurice has squandered the last penny of the money he stole from his father Juliette leaves him and sets her sights on a rich baron. Other men - and a lot of woes - will follow until the gradual - but irredeemable - fall of the go-getter. Written by Guy Bellinger

Directed by —, La Femme Fatale leans on a strong ensemble — Madeleine Roch, René Alexandre, Émile Dehelly — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 1912.