Les deux favoris: A Horse, a Family, and a Bit of Old-School Drama

So, Les deux favoris. Is it worth digging up today? Well, if you're into those old-school European dramas, especially ones with a bit of a historical feel, you might find something to like here. It's not for everyone, for sure. If you need explosions or non-stop action, definitely skip it. But if you appreciate a slower pace and want to see how storytelling worked back in the day, especially around 1930s French cinema, then yeah, give it a shot. 🐴

The premise is pretty straightforward: a Hungarian family, once quite wealthy, has fallen on hard times. Their big goal? Buying back their beloved racehorse, which they had to sell off when things went south. It’s a simple story, but it gets its hooks in you.

The film opens with a real sense of that old money gone dusty. You see it in the way Marfa d'Hervilly, playing the matriarch, carries herself. Her posture just screams 'I used to be important,' even when she's clearly struggling.

There are these long scenes where they're trying to scrounge up the money. You can almost feel the weight of their desperation. It’s less about grand gestures and more about quiet, persistent worry.

The horse, of course, becomes this huge symbol. It’s not just an animal; it’s their last shred of dignity. Every time the horse is on screen, there’s this palpable longing from the family. They really miss that horse.

One moment really stuck with me. Lisette Lanvin, who plays the daughter, has this scene where she’s just staring out a window, lost in thought. No dialogue, just her expression. It tells you everything about the family's quiet suffering without a single word. 😔

The race track scenes are pretty good for the era. You get the sense of the excitement and the stakes, even if the camera work isn't exactly modern. You can almost smell the hay and the sweat.

Thomy Bourdelle plays a character who seems to be a friend or a helper, and he adds a bit of grounded reality to the high-strung family. He’s the one who actually *does* things, not just worries.

Viviane Romance, even in a smaller role, just lights up the screen a little. She has this spark, you know? A sort of modern energy that cuts through the more traditional acting styles around her. You kinda want to see more of her.

The movie sometimes lingers a bit too long on certain establishing shots. You see the same manor house exterior, then the same stable entrance, then again. It’s like they wanted to make sure you really, really knew where everyone was.

Dialogue often feels like it's from a play, which isn't a bad thing, just different. People speak in complete thoughts, sometimes a little formal. Not like how we talk today, obviously.

The pacing is definitely of its time. Things unfold slowly. If you're used to quick cuts and snappy scenes, this might feel like a test of patience. But if you lean into it, there's a certain charm.

I found myself actually rooting for the family, which is the whole point, I guess. You want them to get their horse back. It’s a simple desire, but the film makes it feel important.

Some of the reactions from the supporting cast are a bit over-the-top, almost vaudevillian. Like when someone hears bad news, they practically leap out of their chair. It's kinda fun, honestly. A little dramatic flair. 🎭

The ending, without giving anything away, ties things up nicely. It doesn't leave you hanging. It gives you that satisfying old-school resolution, which is sometimes just what you need.

Ultimately, Les deux favoris is a peek into a specific corner of film history. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a solid, heartfelt drama. A gentle watch for a quiet afternoon.

Little things I noticed:

• The lighting in the indoor scenes is so warm, almost sepia-toned.
• Someone wears the same slightly rumpled suit for what feels like half the movie.
• The way they filmed the horse running is pretty dynamic for an older film.
• A lot of pointing. People point at things a lot.
• The music swells up at exactly the moments you expect it to.