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Le Silence de la Mer
1949 Drama / War
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Credits
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Director: Jean-Pierre Melville
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Script: Jean-Pierre Melville, based on a novel by Vercors
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Photo: Henri Decaë
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Music: Edgar Bischoff
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Cast: Howard Vernon (Werner Von Ebrennac),
Nicole Stéphane (The Niece),
Jean-Marie Robain (The Uncle),
Ami Aaröe (Werner's fiancee),
Georges Patrix (L'ordonnance),
Denis Sadier (L'ami),
Max Fromm (German),
Max Hermann (German),
Rudelle (German),
Fritz Schmiedel (German),
Claude Vernier (German)
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Country: France
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Language: French
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Runtime: 88 min; B&W
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Summary
During World War II, a German officer Werner Von Ebrennac is billeted to a house in a
small town in Nazi occupied France. He stays with a young woman and her niece who,
to show their contempt for him, refuse ever to speak to him. Each evening, when they are
together, Von Ebrennac attempts to break the silence with idealistic tales of his own
life and country. However, the unbroken silence of his reluctant hosts finally has
an awesome effect on him...
Review
This was the first notable film from Jean-Pierre Melville, a director who would establish
himself as the master of the French crime thriller genre in the 1950s and 1960s.
Despite its low budget (most of the film taking place in one room with three characters),
this is a compelling film which makes a powerful anti-war statement in the most subtle
way imaginable.
© James Travers 2000
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