La Symphonie fantastique (1942)
The film is biographical, telling the story of the life and artistic struggles of the French composer Hector Berlioz. Berlioz is shown as a recalcitrant medical student in an anatomy class dreaming of becoming a composer; at a demonstration during a performance at the Paris Opéra conducted by Habeneck; at supper with other young artists (Hugo, Janin, Dumas, Mérimée, Delacroix); and chasing after his future wife Harriet Smithson, after a performance of Hamlet. Also depicted are his life in a garret, while suffering from an illness due to an abscess in the throat; a visit from his mother who curses him; and the composition of the Symphonie fantastique. The film then shows his marital breakdown, the premiere of his opera Benvenuto Cellini, his travels throughout Europe, his second marriage to Marie Recio (called "Marie Martin" in the film), public acceptance in old age and reconciliation with his son.
Cast
- Jean-Louis Barrault - Hector Berlioz
- Renée Saint-Cyr - Marie Martin
- Lise Delamare - Harriet Smithson
- Jules Berry - Schlesinger
- Bernard Blier - Antoine Charbonnel
- Gilbert Gil - Louis Berlioz
- Julien Bertheau - Victor Hugo (uncredited)
- Catherine Fonteney - Madame Berlioz mother (uncredited)
- Louis Seigner - Habeneck (uncredited)
- Noël Roquevert - Gendarme (uncredited)
Screenplay
- André du Dognon (Adaptation)
- Charles Exbrayat (Adaptation)
- Jean-Pierre Feydeau (Dialogue)
- Jean-Pierre Feydeau (Screenplay)
- André Legrand (Dialogue)
Keywords
classical music
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is La Symphonie fantastique about?
- The film is biographical, telling the story of the life and artistic struggles of the French composer Hector Berlioz. Berlioz is shown as a recalcitrant medical student in an anatomy class dreaming of becoming a composer; at a demonstration during a performance at the Paris Opéra conducted by Habeneck; at supper with other young artists (Hugo, Janin, Dumas, Mérimée, Delacroix); and chasing after his future wife Harriet Smithson, after a performance of Hamlet. Also depicted are his life in a garret, while suffering from an illness due to an abscess in the throat; a visit from his mother who curses him; and the composition of the Symphonie fantastique. The film then shows his marital breakdown, the premiere of his opera Benvenuto Cellini, his travels throughout Europe, his second marriage to Marie Recio (called "Marie Martin" in the film), public acceptance in old age and reconciliation with his son.
- Who directed La Symphonie fantastique?
- La Symphonie fantastique was directed by Christian-Jaque.
- Who stars in La Symphonie fantastique?
- La Symphonie fantastique stars Jean-Louis Barrault, Renée Saint-Cyr, Lise Delamare, Jules Berry, Bernard Blier, Gilbert Gil.
- How long is La Symphonie fantastique?
- La Symphonie fantastique has a runtime of 1h 35m (95 minutes).
- What genre is La Symphonie fantastique?
- La Symphonie fantastique is a Drama, History film.
- Where was La Symphonie fantastique produced?
- La Symphonie fantastique was produced in France.