Au Bonheur des Dames 1930

Overview

Au Bonheur des Dames is a 1930 French silent film directed by Julien Duvivier. It is an adaptation of the novel Au Bonheur des Dames by Émile Zola. The film tells the story of Denise, an orphaned girl who moves to Paris in search of work at her uncle's store. However, the grand department store Aux Bonheur des Dames, located across the street, dominates the area and threatens smaller businesses. Despite her initial plans, Denise finds employment at the large store. This film represents Duvivier's final silent work before transitioning to sound films. A later adaptation of the same novel was directed by André Cayatte in 1943. The film features visual elements such as soaring camerawork and stylish montage sequences that give it a modern appearance while also serving as a tribute to the silent film era.