Desiree

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Desiree

Released Nov 17, 1954

1h 50m

History

Drama

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20%

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5 Reviews

68%

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500+ Ratings

Desiree Clary (Jean Simmons) has met the love of her life, and his name is Napoleon Bonaparte (Marlon Brando). But their love is a difficult one, as Napoleon's rise through the military ranks takes him away from her, and they both eventually marry other people. Years later, as Napoleon seems destined to rule the known world, the two cross paths again and attempt to rekindle their romance. But when Napoleon's reign comes to a end, their relationship may not be able to survive.

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Herman G. Weinberg

Film Culture

It has not the satirical edge and ironic bite of Sacha Guitry's Desiree Clary, but it is pleasant and just rueful enough in its humors to make for agreeable seeing.

Jun 7, 2022

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Clyde Gilmour

Maclean's Magazine

An extremely lavish but sluggish screen version of the popular novel. Michael Rennie's stylish work as Bernadotte is the best thing in the picture.

Oct 21, 2019

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

A dull costume romantic/drama.

Rated: C+

Feb 6, 2014

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Peter Canavese

Groucho Reviews

This story framed as a historical account of the only woman to stand up to Napoleon doesn't quite conquer our interest, though it is itself an intriguing piece of Hollywood history due to the presence of Brando in an iconic role. [Blu-ray]

Rated: 2.5/4

Apr 23, 2012

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Pablo Villaça

Cinema em Cena

A nica performance desinteressante da carreira do sempre magnfico Marlon Brando.

Rated: 2/5

Jan 7, 2004

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Steve D

Well acted and not much else.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/24/24

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Audience Member

good epic historical drama of sorts well the hollywood version of the rise & fall of napoleon

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

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Audience Member

The best NapolÃ©on ever!..

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

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Audience Member

Highly fictionalized account of the loves of Napoleon. Curious casting, particularly Marlon Brando as the famed emperor. It is a bit slow moving and too talky, but the production is exquisite. Fine art direction, costume design and cinematography. Decent score. Both the art direction and costumes received Academy Award nominations. Carolyn Jones is memorable in a small role. Jean Simmons is always a pleasure to watch.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

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Audience Member

62/100. Highly fictionalized account of the loves of Napoleon. Curious casting, particularly Marlon Brando as the famed emperor. It is a bit slow moving and too talky, but the production is exquisite. Fine art direction, costume design and cinematography. Decent score. Both the art direction and costumes received Academy Award nominations. Carolyn Jones is memorable in a small role. Jean Simmons is always a pleasure to watch.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

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Audience Member

Way too overdramatic and unnatural--mostly Jean Simmons' first scenes. Besides Brando, the acting was pretty poor. The guy Desiree marries is just awful. Marlon was a very convincing Napoleon. Didn't like the lack of accents. Some good sets, costumes, and shots but this one is passable. Just watch it for your Brando checklist if you're working on one.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

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Henry Koster

Director

Marlon Brando

Napoleon Bonaparte

Jean Simmons

Desiree Clary

Merle Oberon

Empress Josephine

Michael Rennie

Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte

Cameron Mitchell

Joseph Bonaparte

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Synopsis

Desiree Clary (Jean Simmons) has met the love of her life, and his name is Napoleon Bonaparte (Marlon Brando). But their love is a difficult one, as Napoleon's rise through the military ranks takes him away from her, and they both eventually marry other people. Years later, as Napoleon seems destined to rule the known world, the two cross paths again and attempt to rekindle their romance. But when Napoleon's reign comes to a end, their relationship may not be able to survive.

Director: Henry Koster
Producer: Julian Blaustein
Screenwriter: Daniel Taradash
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Twentieth Century Fox
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 17, 1954, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 1, 2011
Runtime: 1h 50m

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