Watch Casque d'Or

Simone Signoret and Serge Reggiani star in the magnificent French romantic drama, Casque d'Or. Directed by Jacques Becker, the film was released in 1952 and tells the tale of a love triangle between a gangster, his girlfriend, and an honest carpenter in the Belle Époque era. Set in the late 19th century in Paris, the film begins with the introduction of Marie (played by Simone Signoret), a beautiful young woman who catches the eye of Manda (played by Serge Reggiani), a small-time criminal with a decent heart. Manda is immediately smitten with Marie and is willing to abandon his life of crime to be with her.

Marie, however, is already in a relationship with Roland (played by Claude Dauphin), a wealthy and influential gangster who dominates the local underworld. Despite being presented with the opportunity to become Roland's mistress, Marie rejects him and chooses to follow her heart by being with Manda.

The situation quickly becomes complicated when Roland feels humiliated by Marie's rejection and seeks revenge on Manda. The tension between the two men creates a dangerous atmosphere that eventually boils over into a violent confrontation.

Amidst all of this drama, the film, however, manages to present a poetic and romantic view of Belle Époque Paris, showcasing the colorful costumes and stunning production design. The film focuses much attention on Marie, who serves as an enigmatic and alluring figure throughout the film.

Simone Signoret gives a striking performance as the independent and complex Marie. She is initially presented as a carefree spirit, but as the film progresses, we see her struggle with the consequences of her choices, particularly her relationship with Manda. Her performance is filled with nuance and depth, making Marie a sympathetic and relatable character.

The film also showcases the talents of Serge Reggiani, who brings an intense and brooding energy to the role of Manda. He is a man torn between his love for Marie and his loyalty to his friends in the criminal underworld. As with Signoret's character, there is a complexity to Manda that makes him more than just a typical romantic lead.

Claude Dauphin rounds out the main cast with his portrayal of Roland, the gangster who seeks to reclaim his power by dominating Marie's love life. Dauphin's performance is nuanced, and he manages to convey the character's cruel and violent tendencies while still maintaining a sense of humanity.

Overall, Casque d'Or is a poignant and captivating film that explores themes of love, loyalty, and the struggle between societal expectations and personal desires. The film is beautifully shot, with a stunning attention to detail that brings the Belle Époque era to life. It's a must-watch for fans of classic cinema, especially those who enjoy romantic dramas with a touch of fatalism.