A chance to see a selection of rarely screened fine European films. Regain/Harvest, (France / 1937 /137 mins). Directed by Marcel Pagnol and starring Fernandel, Gabriel Gabrio, Orane Demazis, Marguerite Moreno and Robert Le Vigan.

Great story, wonderful faces, superb locations. The narrative revolves around a farming village where only three inhabitants remain, but they are told that if only one of them, Panturle, manages to find a wife, the village will be able to prosper again. The film is based on the 1930 novel Second Harvest by Jean Giono. In a serio/comic role, Fernandel plays a travelling tinker who has designs on Arsule, a young girl he persuades to work for him, but finds himself up against Panturle, the local hunter and trapper. The film is nothing less than a love poem to what Pagnol believed was the most beautiful region of France, shot entirely on location at the time of year when Provence is at its most enchanting. Harvest was Marcel Pagnol’s first film after he’d directed Cesar, the third film in his famous Marius trilogy. He would go on to direct further noted films such as La Femme du boulanger (1938), The Well-Digger’s Daughter (1940) and Manon des Sources (1952), the last two later re-made: Manon des Sources in 1986 and The Well-Digger’s Daughter in 2011.

“Harvest is one of Marcel Pagnol’s best films. It has the effect of being both humble and larger than life. It taps into primeval emotions about the nobility of bread, soil, labour and community. When the Russians tried this, it felt like propaganda, but from Pagnol it feels like poetry.” (Marty Mapes – Movie Habit)

You may wish to read these notes about the film here before the screening.

Doors open at 18.30, for a 19.30 start.

Refreshments will be available in our licensed cafe/bar.

TICKETS & PRICING

Tickets £8 in advance or on the door.

Advance tickets may be purchased from Ticketlab, or direct from the Museum by calling 020 7840 2200 in office hours.