a series of feature films reflecting some of the finest work of many of France's most famous and talented directors and artists.
starring Gerard Philipe, Francoise Rosay

An elderly and wealthy woman gambles away a fortune while her family and their debtors look on despairingly.

In February 1968 BBC-2 transmitted its own colour production of Dostoevsky's classic, with Edith Evans in the role of the Countess Antonia, and Maurice Roeves as Alexei. It is interesting to compare that with the screen version to be seen this evening, with Francoise Rosay and Gerard Philipe in the main parts. The director Claude Autant-Lara had previously worked with Gerard Philipe on Le Diable au Corps, Le Rouge et le Noir, Les Belles de Nuit, and La Beaute du Diable - all critical successes. Tonight's film was made in the year before Philipe's tragically early death which came shortly after he had completed a political drama for Bunuel, La Fievre Mont a El Pao.
(Colour)