Louis Mahé, a tobacco farmer on the French island of La Réunion in the Indian Ocean, eagerly awaits the arrival of his bride, Julie Roussel, whom he has only corresponded with through letters. Played by the iconic French duo Catherine Deneuve and Jean-Paul Belmondo, the couple’s marriage starts off promisingly, but takes a dark turn when Julie disappears with a large sum of Louis‘ money.
In a twist of fate, Louis stumbles upon Julie working as a waitress in a nightclub on the Côte d’Azur. She spins a tale of being a victim of an extortionist on the ship, who murdered the real Julie and forced her, Marion, to participate in a marriage scam. Despite the shocking revelation, Louis believes Marion and they embark on a journey together, fleeing from authorities.
Their escape takes them through Lyon and into the Alps, with Switzerland as their ultimate destination. However, Louis discovers that Marion is slowly being poisoned after a severe bout of stomach cramps. The tension rises as Louis grapples with the realization that the woman he loves may not be who she claims to be.
The classic film „Das Geheimnis der falschen Braut“ (The Mystery of the False Bride) showcases the timeless performances of Deneuve and Belmondo, capturing the essence of French cinema at its finest. The intricate plot weaves together elements of deception, love, and betrayal, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Available on Arte and the Arte Mediathek until November 12th, this cinematic masterpiece offers a glimpse into the captivating world of 1960s French cinema. Don’t miss the chance to unravel the mystery of the false bride and experience the magic of Deneuve and Belmondo’s on-screen chemistry.
