Claude Autant-Lara

Sylvie et le fantôme

Sylvie et le fantôme

With this film, conceived during the occupation and released after the war, Claude Autant-Lara entered the realm of pure fantasy. Odette Joyeux stars as Sylvie, in love with a long-dead romantic figure from her family’s past. Sylvie’s father hires three actors to impersonate the ghost of her beloved, while the spirit himself (Jacques Tati, in his first feature-film role) stalks the grounds. Marrying a playful script, artful special effects, and wistful performances, Sylvie et le fantôme stages a delicate dance of enchantment.

Film Info

  • France
  • 1946
  • 98 minutes
  • Black & White
  • 1.33:1
  • French

Available In

Collector's Set

Eclipse Series 45: Claude Autant-Lara—Four Romantic Escapes from Occupied France

Eclipse Series 45: Claude Autant-Lara—Four Romantic Escapes from Occupied France

DVD Box Set

4 Discs

$41.96

Sylvie et le fantôme
Cast
Odette Joyeux
Sylvie
François Périer
Ramure, the burglar
Pierre Larquey
Baron Eduard, Sylvie’s father
Claude Marcy
Countess des Vertus
Jean Desailly
Frédérick
Paul Demange
The counselor
Marguerite Cassan
Marthe
Rognoni
Damas, the antique dealer
Jacques Tati
The ghost of Alain de Francigny
Louis Salou
Anicet, the actor
Julien Carette
Hector
Credits
Director
Claude Autant-Lara
Based on a play by
Alfred Adam
Adaptation and dialogue by
Jean Aurenche
Cinematography by
Philippe Agostini
Art direction by
Lucien Carré
Production design by
Jacques Krauss
Music by
René Cloërec
Editing by
Madeleine Gug
Costume design
Christian Dior

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Eclipse Series 45: Claude Autant-Lara—Four Romantic Escapes from Occupied France
Eclipse Series 45: Claude Autant-Lara—Four Romantic Escapes from Occupied France

Made during the German occupation of France, these beguiling films showcase Claude Autant-Lara at the height of his powers.

By Nicholas Elliott