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Cast
Dany Carrel
as Léa
Raymond Pellegrin
as Charles Bourgeon
Roger Hanin
as Maurice
Paul Meurisse
as Captain of Lambérieux
Georges Wilson
as Léa's father
Roger Dumas
as Adolphe Charlier, aka 'le môme'
Nane Germon
as Léa's mother
Louis Seigner
as Colonel of the Fourth R.C.A.
Betty Schneider
as Betty
Raymond Meunier
as Legionnaire
Movie Info & Details
Release Year1962
Runtime1h 40m
LanguageFrench
CertificationNR
GenresDrama, War
Votes3
DirectorCharles Brabant
WritersCharles Bourgeon, Charles Brabant, Denys de La Patellière
TypeFeature Film
Rating4.8 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsBells Without Joy
About Bells Without Joy
In November 1942, American troops landed in Tunisia. German paratroopers were immediately launched and occupied Tunis. A French squadron of chasseurs d'Afrique was sent to Medjez-el Bab with the mission of occupying the bridge over the Medjerda. But the captain is mute and the cavalrymen don't know whether the operation is being prepared against the Germans or the Allies. The first hypothesis inflames Maréchal des Logis Bourgeon and his friend Maurice, who have not forgotten the defeat of '40. In the village, Maurice meets up with his friend Léa, a refugee, and discovers with fury that she is Jewish, because he doesn't like Jews any more than he likes English or Germans! The hunters set up camp on the bridge. Soon, a German column appears and demands passage. The captain refuses, awaiting orders from Vichy. But in Tunis, confusion reigns. Finally, the captain himself takes the initiative to oppose the passage of the German troops...
Directed by Charles Brabant, Bells Without Joy leans on a strong ensemble — Dany Carrel, Raymond Pellegrin, Roger Hanin — 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 1962.
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