Desiree

This is a very old film A slight variation on the relationship between three characters pivotal at a critical time in French history. I do not particularly care for Mr. Brando. But he turns in a solid performance as the capricious Napoleon Bonaparte and cannot be faulted. Michael Rennie is superlative as Marshall Bernadotte. And Jean Simmons plays the title role with aplomb. Characterizing nicely an insignificant individual caught up in major world events.For connoisseurs of nineteenth century history and French history in particular

I bought this DVD as I love the novel Desiree by Annmarie Selinko and have read it many times. Obviously I knew a lot would have to be left out as its a long book but I'm afraid I found it a huge disappointment. The whole thing was very superficial - presumably because it would have been impossible realistically to condense such a sweeping story into an hour and a half. Napoleon always referred to Desiree as "Eugenie", which was her 2nd name. And why does she start referring to her husband as "Jean" three quarters of the way through. Also, my disc gives up the ghost when Desiree is with Napoleon before he abdicates and is sent to st. Helena. Does the film end there? I don't know. Perhaps it was because I am so familiar with the book that I found the film so underwhelming. Deeply disappointed.

Although 'Desiree' is now dated in style and technicolour, and the acting by Marlon Brando as Napoleon is rather stiff, Jean Simmons brings the whole story to life with her irresistible charm and enthusiasm in the eponymous lead role. I bought the film because I loved the original novel by Anne-Marie Selinko about Napoleon's first love, Desiree Clary, and I love Jean Simmons. I was not disappointed. There were some unexpected pleasures such as Elizabeth Sellars as Desiree's sister Julie, and Michael Rennie was dashing and attractive as General Bernadotte. This is a real romance and Desiree really did become Queen of Sweden (despite her early dislike of the cold north) and establish the Norwegian royal dynasty. A fascinating piece of history and despite some obvious flaws in stilted dialogue and some of the acting, I enjoyed it thoroughly. A good matinee with chocolates, especially for the older generation. It reminded me of its contemporary, 'War and Peace' and Jean Simmons was every bit as good in 'Desiree' as Audrey Hepburn in 'War and Peace' - in fact I would say she was better!

Thought Brando might overdo the accent as he did in Mutiny on the Bounty, but he was more restrained in this film. Based on fact, but a quite bland screenplay given the momentous events of Bonaparte's career. Didn't watch it to the end. Loved Merle Oberon as always. If you're looking for war action, this won't be for you. There isn't any.

While not one of Brandos best movies , (he tends to walk thru it , looking serious) , it stil, is quite informative about aspects of Napoleon' rize and fall . Not as bad as the reviews made out .though Streetcar or Waterfront , it is not .

The DVD will not play properly giving very poor picture which constantly breaks down. I have tried on 3 different players which have not given any problem in the past.I only tried this a week ago as my wife has been ill and is not fully recovered so my time has been taken up with this rather enjoying the film we were both looking forward to. Is it possible to get this replaced?Best regards...........Philip Ingham

Desiree (1954)DVD .German version but will play in English.Hollywood classics by Arthaus.16.9 (2.55:1) anamorphic.An enjoyable period drama about Napoleon and the 2 women in his life.Jean Simmons never looked lovelier , but on a historic note, still enjoyed it in spite of the poetic licence taken by the story line.

Surprisingly bad film!Got to me quick so not complaining in the delivery.Film an sound is perfect, it's just such crsp acting. Expected more considering it's Marlon Brando!