Désirée is a historical romantic drama based on the best-selling novel by Annemarie Selinko. The film follows the life of Désirée Clary, a merchant’s daughter from Marseille, who becomes engaged to a young and ambitious Napoleon Bonaparte before he ends their relationship to marry Josephine. Despite heartbreak, Désirée eventually marries General Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, who later becomes King of Sweden. The story is told from her perspective, offering a personal view of European history during the Napoleonic era and exploring themes of love, power, and destiny.
Genre: Historical Drama, Romance, Biography
Director: Henry Koster
Henry Koster was a German-born American director who made his mark in Hollywood with a wide range of films, including comedies, musicals, and historical epics. He fled Nazi Germany in the 1930s and went on to direct popular and critically successful films such as The Bishop’s Wife and Harvey. Known for his ability to handle large productions with elegance and human emotion, Koster brought a dignified tone to his historical dramas while still focusing on personal relationships.
Star Cast:
- Jean Simmons as Désirée Clary
- Marlon Brando as Napoleon Bonaparte
- Merle Oberon as Empress Josephine
- Michael Rennie as Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte
- Cameron Mitchell as Michel
- Elizabeth Sellars as Julie Clary
- Charlotte Austin as Caroline Bonaparte
Désirée was noted for its lush production values, period costumes, and star power. Jean Simmons was praised for her grace and poise, while Marlon Brando’s performance as Napoleon received mixed reviews—some admired his restraint, while others found it uncharacteristically subdued. The film was well-received by audiences who appreciated its romantic approach to history, though critics were divided on its historical accuracy and dramatic impact. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Art Direction (Color).
Fun Facts:
- The film was one of Marlon Brando’s few appearances in a costume drama, and he initially hesitated to take the role of Napoleon.
- It was shot in CinemaScope and Technicolor, giving it a grand and vivid visual style.
- Jean Simmons wore more than 35 costume changes throughout the film, reflecting the fashion evolution of the Napoleonic era.
- The real Désirée Clary went on to become Queen of Sweden and Norway and is an ancestor of the current Swedish royal family.
- The novel on which the film is based was a major international bestseller in the 1950s and was written in the form of a fictional diary.
Désirée (1954) blends romance and history with visual grandeur, offering a portrait of a remarkable woman whose life intersected with some of the most powerful figures of her time.
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