Where to Watch
Checking availability in your country…
Cast
Movie Info & Details
Release Year1936
Runtime1h 49m
LanguageFrench
CertificationNR
GenresDrama, Romance
Votes4
DirectorJean Benoît-Lévy
WritersMarie Epstein, Jean Benoît-Lévy
TypeFeature Film
Rating5.5 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsHélène
About Hélène
Helene is based on Helene Wilfur, a novel by Vicki (Grand Hotel) Baum. Madeleine Renaud essays the title role, a young medical student in love with aspiring musician Pierre Regnier (Jean-Lous Barrault). Pierre's father, a noted surgeon, puts pressure on his son to give up music in favor of medicine. Unable to withstand his father's remonstrations, Pierre kills himself, prompting the grieving Madeleine to forget all about romance and dedicate her life to the cause of healing others. Wilfur avoids the usual soap-opera goo by offering realistic performances and credible dialogue (the English-language subtitles were composed by erudite film critic Herman G. Weinberg).
Directed by Jean Benoît-Lévy, Hélène leans on a strong ensemble — Madeleine Renaud, Jean-Louis Barrault, Constant Rémy — 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 drama titles of 1936.
Read More on the Blog
User Reviews
5.5
Community rating
Loading reviews…
From the Blog
All Posts
News
Michael OTT Release Date: The Michael Jackson Biopic Streams August 29
The Michael Jackson biopic arrives on JioHotstar on August 29, 2026. Here is where to watch it, what you need, and why it is one of the year’s biggest music films.
Guides
What Should I Watch Tonight? How to Decide in 5 Minutes
The average person spends more time scrolling than watching. Here's a 5-minute method to pick tonight's movie or show by mood, not by endless browsing.