 A French film from a German director based on the work of a Hungarian playwrite Ferenc Molnar, Liliom is a charming romantic fantasy following the adventures of a devil-may-carnie carnie (Charles Boyer).
Liliom finds himself unable to live up to responsibilities, & is therefore tempted by crime. Though in general a comedy, there are sufficient serious & even appalling moments that this is no mere lighthearted piffle.
Though not a classic of the first water, there were many excellent moments in Liliom, & Charles Boyer is permitted to be vastly more flamboyant than in his American films.
Toward the end when Liliom's upbeat nature finally gives way fully to depression, the film unexpectedly goes all "weird" & very startling. I was not expecting anything like that & quite enjoyed the surprise of it, so will not describe it & recommend viewing the film without knowing much about it beyond the fact that it's a pretty cool old film.
copyright © by Paghat the Ratgirl
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