Du Barry, Woman of Passion (1930)
(Sam Taylor, US 1930, 90 min., 35mm)
35mm Preservation print
A rare sound film preservation, this film was the last for legendary silent actress Norma Talmadge, finding it difficult to make the transition. In this pre-Code historical drama, Talmadge takes on the role of Madame Du Barry, infamous French courtesan to King Louis XV. Jeannette Vaubernier (Talmadge), an impulsive shopgirl en route to deliver a hat, dreams of luxury and position as she saunters through the woods, and attracted by a pool of water, she disrobes and plunges in. Cosse de Brissac (Conrad Nagel), a handsome private in the King's Guards, comes to her rescue and they become sweethearts. Meanwhile, Jean Du Barry (Ullrich Haupt), a shrewd roué, takes note of her at the millinery shop and tricks her into staying at La Gourda's, where she soon becomes a favorite among the men. Louis XV (William Farnum), seeing her at the opera, arranges a meeting; and just as she is about to elope with young Brissac, the king offers her all she desires.