Another injured war veteran also is introduced during the time that Diane is working in the war hospital and appears to be the "other man" character who tries to win her over. As the war comes to a close, Chico is injured in a gas attack and is reported to have died by his comrades and a priest (Jean Hersholt whose name is attached to the Humanitarian Academy Award given out every year during the Oscar award show). The two vow to think about each other at 11 AM every day. However, World War I intervenes and Chico must leave Diane to go to war. As their feelings deepen between the two, Chico eventually proposes marriage to Diane. The climb is up 7 flights of steps, but the apartment becomes their own heavenly abode. To prevent her from being arrested, Chico takes her in as his wife to live in his apartment. He helps Diane when she is beaten by her prostitute sister for not being sociable with potential clients. The Chico character is an atheist who became cynical when his prayers were not answered. The movie presents a much gritty view of life in the 1914 Paris streets before World War I and has so many deep messages about life. James Stewart (Chico) and Simone Simon (Diane) play the street cleaner and prostitute whose paths cross and develop a special bond with each other. I kept hoping Diane would give him a beating like she did to Gale Sonergaard.Ī very moving and excellent movie version of the Seventh Heaven play that was the "talkie" remake of the silent version made 10 years earlier. He kept showing up to rain on Diane's parade with those strange eyes. Any urban setting like London, Rome, New York etc. There are people like that in all countries. I don't agree that he's miscast or that he should have a French accent. Stewart was probably that way in real life. He's awkward, gruff, reluctant to get involved with other people yet his core decency compels him prevent Diane's mistreatment and stop her suicide attempt. She should have been James Cagney's unrequited love in "The Roaring Twenties" instead of that insipid Priscilla Lane (or was it Rosemary Lane?) James Stewart is superb as Chico. Perhaps if she'd had more charismatic co-stars like James Stewart to play off against. Watch the scene where Jimmy Stewart really look at her for the first time as she turns her face to his with the melody of 'Diane' playing softly movie magic! She made two other well-known movies: Cat People & Curse of the Cat People, then her career dwindled into nothingness. In this movie she's luminous on a level with Ingrid Bergman & Audrey Hepburn. Watching this movie, I can't understand why Simone Simon didn't become a great star. The copy shown on cable was not exactly the best, but as in other memorable films, what matters is the story and the great performances that Henry King got from everyone. Edward Bromberg and the rest do great work in the film. Also, Gregory Ratoff, Gale Sondergaard, Sig Ruman and J. This is the same actor whose name is synonymous with worthwhile causes within the film industry and who died much to young to continue his humanitarian work. Others in the cast included Jean Hersholt, who appears as the priest that tries to convert Chico. Simon, one of the most beautiful faces in the French cinema, had a wonderful screen presence that works well opposite to the young and disarming James Stewart, at one of the best points of his budding career. These two actors contributed to make the film much better than it should have been if played by others. The basic reason for watching it again is the sweet presence of Simone Simon and James Stewart. This 1937 release directed by Henry King, is seldom seen these days. The ritual keeps them hoping for an eventual happy life together in peaceful times. Both make a promise to chant their names and pretend they are in heaven at 11am each day. Chico, an avowed atheist, invents his own wedding vows as he and Diane exchange chains to wear around their necks instead of the customary ring. Alas, war intervenes at the time the couple decides to get married. Diane, who up to that point had been abused by many people, suddenly realizes the love she receives from Chico lifts her from a dreary existence and helps her find her own voice. He not only offers his protection, but also his unending love. Chico, a sewer worker in Paris rescues Diane, a prostitute, from the police.
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