Master French filmmaker Julien Duvivier (Under the Paris Sky, Pepe Le Moko) adapted this silent film with a powerful story of child neglect that resonates with relevancy. At times Francois's life seems miserable: his mother resents him, derisively calling him "Carrot Top"; his siblings torment him; and his father ignores him. But Duvivier uses inventive camera tricks that bring a light-heartedness to the material. Later known for his contributions to poetic realism, Duvivier was a giant of French cinema. "If I were an architect and I had to build a monument to the cinema, I would place a statue of Duvivier above the entrance." -- Jean Renoir. B&W/Silent with optional English, French or Dutch subtitles.

Julien Duvivier---France---1932---108 mins.