Superb historical drama. Though fictionalized, the imaginative script is based on historical fact. Desiree did live, was Napoleon's first love, and eventually became queen of Sweden. The House of Bernadotte still reigns there. The acting is pitch-perfect. So is the script. The women's gowns are gorgeous.

@teresareinert8271

6 ай бұрын

I find myself interested in history when caught up in the story line and remember some of what I was taught. But I wonder at how much liberty is stretched for the entertainment purposes. I’m not one to remember dates and all the names. I think my instructors were more about learning the lessons to be taken from history.

@deborahclark1108

6 ай бұрын

Thank you for giving us this information.

@deborahclark1108

6 ай бұрын

This movie is amazing. Today’s computer generated movies have nothing on this one. The scenes were beautiful, the costumes so detailed. The actors fit their roles perfectly. Thank you KZread!

@annyjoseph6162

6 ай бұрын

The film is very close to Anna Maria Selinko 's book "Desiree".

@alexerhard1198

6 ай бұрын

I am fascinated by the French Revolution & the rise & fall of Bonaparte. Esp the political & strategic victories of the naval ^ land battles.

What a great movie, Brando was a perfect Napoleon! Jean Simmons was a beauty, I don't know what he saw.I liked Merle Oberon as Josephine. The dresses,the dresses, the dreeessseeessss!!!! They looked good in those uniforms too!!!!

@jmartin7856

7 ай бұрын

I thought it was Brando I just started watching,...so wild, Brando as Bonaparte... perfect especially with the new version out

@saraswatkin9226

7 ай бұрын

@bevygaines, Napoleon was a common soldier before he met Josephine who provided right contacts who elevated him to become the King.

@bevygaines

7 ай бұрын

@@saraswatkin9226 And here I thought Josephine was the love of his life. I never heard of Desiree!

@Kimllg88

7 ай бұрын

Yes... those costumes were sensational...and fairly true to the period for once.

@sekarpertiwi4077

7 ай бұрын

Brando and Jean simons always have good chemistry when they together in movie even in guys and dolls movie.

Brando brilliant as usual. I so miss these old movies. No sex or unnecessary violence yet gripped till the end. Quality is sooo missing in this age.

@bluewren2

6 ай бұрын

I agree!

Marlon Brando was able to enter the character in a realistic way. He even resembled Napoleon. Seize your destiny

Bravo!! Exquisite adaptation for film!! Marlon Brando exemplified this role perfectly, as did all the others. Thank you so much for keeping these wonderful movies going throughout the generations. Bravo!!!!❤

@cindymaceda2999

7 ай бұрын

Marlon Brando’s Napoleon is iconic & has always been hard to beat. Looking forward to seeing Phoenix’s take.

Marlon Brando best Napoleon. He success for present the charismatic, aggressive, ambitious, energetic napoleon

I was born, passed-baby -boomers generation, and haven't had many Brando movies watched. I wasn't sure although there was an almost certainty feeling about him, up until the waltzing scene. I found hilarious from the director to have the lady teaching him waltz. I saw him in the Godfather dancing with Conney at her wedding, he was passed 70 then and yet ....this was the golden seal on his identity. No one else has mastered this wonderful society-dance with the same ease and effortless elegance. Great movie, awesome job - thank you for it.

@MsGbergh

6 ай бұрын

I thought the waltz was not introduced until the 19th Century? Also form the actors' accents - it sounded like the girl was called 'Daisy Rae!'

@maqi1967

6 ай бұрын

@@MsGbergh from 18th.

@queenofkingsbury

6 ай бұрын

Marlon Brando was only 48 in the Godfather! He had makeup to make him look older. He was born in 1924 and The Godfather was released in 1972. @annawright4545 Marlon Brando was a "method" actor and his identity as an actor was sealed in On The Waterfront (1954) he was spectacular at that time, for which he won his first Oscar!! Watch Last Tango in Paris (1972) this was made the same year as the Godfather, he plays a man his age, no makeup. He was also nominated for an Oscar in Tango.

@annawright4545

6 ай бұрын

@@queenofkingsbury And so it is!-great info, they made an outstanding job with the make up and he really moved and talked according like the elderly. You remind me of "Lisa" from "My Cousin Winnie" - 😊😊.

Could not imagine that somebody can play Napoleon better than Marlon Brando.He is not acting, he is living his life .Just outstanding!!!

To see Marlon Brando playing the part of Napoleon was superb..this film was a great patrial of French history.. 🇫🇷

Desiree and her diary was a great part of this excellent movie. Thanks for sharing. Enjoyed so much!

Marlon Brando performance is simply outstanding. He could play these kind of roles and do it fluently he could be in deep thought and make a right turn to being sober, and I left turn of being sure.he is one of the greatest in acting. It seemed to be second nature with him. That’s great acting.

I've had a commercial copy of this film for many years. The Guys & Dolls pair comprising Jean Simmons and Marlon Brando have been my faves since I was a child. Bold, impish and daring that's what Ms. Simmons character was all about. There is pathos in her performance which she never lets slide into sentimentality. Jean excelled in a long-line of these Historical/Biblical films that included Androcles & the Lion, Young Bess, The Robe, The Egyptian. Jean never judged a role, but embraced it with all its contradictions, all its darkness and for what, ultimately, made it human. Just watch those mischievous eyes of hers, those limpid pools of darkness: how they dart about and convey a myriad of expressions . On Mr. Brando, i have already penned reams on his performances and superlative talent. And, here again, he does not disappoint!

@leoseries

7 ай бұрын

Ahh! Jean Simmonds. My favourite actress. Don't forget her earlier roles as Ophelia to Laurence Olivier's Hamlet. As the Winsome girl singer in "The Way to the stars." The Indian girl seductress dancing in "The Black Narcissus." The scheming Cockney maid in "footsteps in the fog.)" Probably the most versatile film actress there has been or ever will be.

@ianedwards4400

6 ай бұрын

@@leoseries Leo, I have not seen The way to the stars. Of the films that you mentioned here, "Footsteps in the fog" is my top fave. In fact, its an entire family fave. Each time I see it, its like seeing it for the first time. Yes, there will never ever be another Jean Simmons! Unique in every way and in a class that no other British or American actress could fill. To me, she is still very much alive and we fans just live life through her movies and TV specials. How very beautiful she looked on the TV special "This is your life:"

@irenejohnston6802

6 ай бұрын

​@@ianedwards4400A schemer in Angel. Didn't end well for Robert Mitcham

Thank you, I didnt know it would be so well reseached and historically accurate. Very interesting.

Superb period movie. Honest to goodness believeable acting. Personally I think Jean Simmons was so much prettier then Elizabeth Taylor.

@ChantePierce-kp3uf

7 ай бұрын

Elizabeth Tayler was considered beautiful with her unique violet eyes, pale skin and 18 inch waist !

@gulmerton2758

7 ай бұрын

Whilst all actresses of that golden era were unbelievably beautiful, I think Elisabeth Taylor was the most beautiful of them all and couldn’t be compared to anybody else.

@uan2498

7 ай бұрын

Jean Simmons was human and beautiful.....the Taylor was the Star

@annetteelliott1494

7 ай бұрын

No comparison....Jean was a natural beauty, a lady. liz was all about big hair and lots of makeup.

@irenejohnston6802

6 ай бұрын

​​@@ChantePierce-kp3ufETaylor, a stunner in the 50s, short waisted, stocky legs. Matronly by early 1960s. Prefer Jean S. She was more than one dimensional, had warmth. British films, Estella, in Great Expectations. Ophelia, English Shakespeare theatre. Sparkled in Guys and Dolls, again with Brando.

I saw this movie as a child. Even then, its emotional honesty registered with me. Thank you for allowing me to relive some of my youth by watching this film today. It was lovely.

I just found this movie. Never thought it is Jean Simmons who played Desiree and the movie was an adaptation of a novel. Thank you for uploading it.

Oh my goodness! The algorithm is working for me. This is one of my favourite books! I remember watching this movie years ago. Love, love, love Jean Simmons and Marlon Brando together 🥹

Another fantastic old movie! I love the costumes, acting, back drops ….. EVERYTHING! They sure don’t make them like this anymore!😢Hr actors post 60s were actually pretty messed up but in public at least they liked like they had class! Not like the trashy ones today Thank you for sharing this with us… I really enjoyed it 🌸

@bluewren2

6 ай бұрын

No they think we are interested in psychological misfits et al.

Wonderful movie. I haven't seen this since I was a teenager; I am now 72. 😀

@jeanmarie4462

6 ай бұрын

@cathymitchell3613 I never saw it until now, and I am almost 66. I totally agree with you, it is a simply wonderful movie and beautifully acted with lavish gowns and uniforms. 👑💯👑

@irinaa.222

6 ай бұрын

​@@jeanmarie4462and me. I

This was my favorite book when I was in High school. Most of the story is actually true

@Phlowermom

6 ай бұрын

OMG! I was unpacking a box yesterday and came across the book 'Desiree' from my high school!! I had to buy it from the library because my younger brother had spilled water on the cover as he tried to use it like a cookbook! When you're four, all you're allowed to cook with is water, lots and lots of water!

@user-py1pm3dq6r

6 ай бұрын

Me too

@queenofkingsbury

6 ай бұрын

Me three!

@chepechapin5809

15 күн бұрын

Indeed. A real master peace of literature!

Great acting! Modern actors need to take lessons from period industry ❤

@sholemgimpel6050

7 ай бұрын

Well, aside from Brando, maybe. He has the Napoleonic profile and the Napoleonic scowl, but he's the least charismatic Napoleon I've ever seen on film. I know nothing about film making, but I'm guessing that this boils to the director's conception. What a towering personality N. must have been!

Unbelievable ! To have discovered this gem starring Marlon Brando perhaps the greatest of all time.

@user-zb5io8rg8w

7 ай бұрын

Marlon Brando his name just sounds like a movie star🤩

@cindymaceda2999

7 ай бұрын

Brando’s Napoleon is probably the closest to how the public like to imagine Bonaparte to have been like, but the real guy was never as handsome nor sexy as Brando.

@jeanlaureaudoynaud4776

6 ай бұрын

@@cindymaceda2999 It is not true ! Bonaparte was handsome and sexy...Look the paint " Napoléon à Arcole" please, and after, you will change your opinion about the " real guy". And the "real guy" was an "action man", and Brando only an actor, a copy of others... much far from genuine value. An actor is false, even he is good, it is not genuine life...Please, don't mix.

@cindymaceda2999

6 ай бұрын

@@jeanlaureaudoynaud4776 Merci, Jean, I did fall in love with that portrait of Napoleon as a young man with flowing hair. But I always thought artists wanted to flatter their subjects to be in their good graces.😉

omg. I've been looking for this movie for a long time. this is one of the first movie I saw when I was a child. thank you.

Marlon Brando was superb, so natural and convincing. ❤

How fabulous to see this again! The magnificent Merle Oberon... and what a cast. Many thanks from Portugal.

Marlon Brando as Napoleon Bonaparte Jean Simmons as Désirée Clary Merle Oberon as Joséphine de Beauharnais Michael Rennie as Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte Cameron Mitchell as Joseph Bonaparte Elizabeth Sellars as Julie Clary Charlotte Austin as Paulette Cathleen Nesbitt as Mme. Bonaparte Evelyn Varden as Marie Isobel Elsom as Madame Clary John Hoyt as Talleyrand Alan Napier as Despereaux

@margaretgoodheart4167

6 ай бұрын

Nice, ty

Omg Marlon Brando as Napoleon 😍 Thank you for great upload

Brando was just perfect. I really enjoyed watching this movie. 🇦🇺💕

@tia904

7 ай бұрын

Yes, MB did a great job. The script was good, too. They didn't try and do fake accents, etc... They kept it toned down, which makes it more realistic even though it isn't.

Marlon Brando is the greatest actor because of his unmatched acting range. From 1950-60 he played a paraplegic in THE MEN, Stanley Kowalski in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, a Mexican revolutionary in VIVA ZAPATA, Mark Anthony, a Hell's Angel in THE WILD ONE. Terry Malloy in ON THE WATERFRONT, Napoleon in DESIREE, sang and danced in GUYS AND DOLLS, a Japanese man in TEAHOUSE OF THE AUGUST MOON, a contrite nazi in YOUNG LIONS then directed ONE EYED JACKS.

@user-cd9if8rk7i

7 ай бұрын

Yes, yes ! Exceptional talent.

@judytelles3518

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for all the listings, I saw a few of them.

And out of that histore 🌺🌺 our Queen of Denmark. Margrethe the 2. Her Mother, Queen Ingrid of Denmark, was born in Sweden, out of the bernadotte familie.

A widescreen portrait of the events & manners of that time. And who can resist seeing Jean Simmons & Merle Oberon together? Phew! ❤ (Simmons & Brando were eventually to prove great together in "Guys & Dolls")

I had no idea this book has been made into a movie. I have read and reread Deseriee many, many times. It shows a side of Napoleon that is fascinating.

I saw this film when I was a teenager when it was already on TV on Million Dollar Movies. But I’ve never forgotten the line” They’re always small at the beginning.” 😂

@dawnklug6986

6 ай бұрын

LMAO.......Thanks for that.......can be used as a subtle insult to a man of 'little' south of the border hardware..

Als Teenager habe ich das Buch Desiree von Annemarie Selinko verschlungen, mehrfach und natürlich auch die Verfilmung gesehen. Das ist viele Jahre her. .. Es ist schön, dass hier der Film angeboten wird. Vielen Dank dafür!

I read this book, Desiree when i was in high school and I am thrilled to find the film version here on a very chilly Saturday in the Fall. 😊

@user-lr2jh8jf1d

7 ай бұрын

Me too

@user-zb5io8rg8w

7 ай бұрын

Well, it’s not very chilly here, but it is nice on a Friday night to have a fantastic movie to enjoy. I do wish it was chilly.🙋‍♀️

Superb acting from Marlon Brando 🏆🏅In manner,speech,movements...I loved the historical and early Life drama.Ir also shows clearly How Real Love makes a difference in a couple👍...and How seeking Only Power takes you to failure...but yet I loved and recognize the Best Acting in this movie❤Thank you for putting this on KZread 🎉❤M.P.

The acting was superb!

After watching Scott's Napolean, was fascinating to watch this old film with the incredible performance played by Marlon Brando.

Thank you so much for this treat, enjoyed to the full.

Though I'm partial to Albert Dieudonne's Napoleon in Gance's 1927 masterpiece, and Rod Steiger as the older Napoleon, I decided to watch this because Olivier praised Brando's performance to the skies. And because anything with Brando is bound to be compelling. It was.

Why have I never heard of this movie? It was so good. I knew something or other about the Swedes fetching a Bernadotte from France. They are still on the throne I think. Oh wouldn’t it be awesome if the ending was really accurate? St. Helena must be the most remote place to send someone.

Well, this movie certainly had me refreshing and expanding my knowledge of history. A Marshall of France became King of Sweden. Huh! Bonaparte's dream of a unified Europe was only 200 years early. But at what price? Why is the way of men always war? He should have had a skillful negotiator on his team. And led with the carrot, not the stick.

@imbolc8024

6 ай бұрын

and history keeps repeating itself... 😢

I read Anne Marie Selinko 's Book and this movie is quite good, not far from reality ....

What a treasure to come across. Thank you for sharing this gem!

Beautiful costumes . I will definitely watch again . I giggled throughout this film ❤

I read the book by Anne Marie Selinco when I was 13 years old And now I a 67 It used to be one of my favourite books Out of my late father's library It brings so many memories back The story is absolutely based on historical facts

@user-py1pm3dq6r

6 ай бұрын

Correction I am 67!

@queenofkingsbury

6 ай бұрын

I read the book too! It was gorgeous.

@chepechapin5809

15 күн бұрын

Very few literary licenses were taken by Mrs. Selinko (may she rest in peace), but you are right: this is a quite remarkable historical novel.

Brando did a better Napoleon than Joaquin Phoenix in Scott's "Napoleon". I can't imagine Napoleon as constantly serious, dour, and withdrawn similar to Joaquin's Joker character. Napoleon must have a certain charm, wit, and intriguing composure to be able to win the common soldiers and elite officers. Brando had that, including a petulance that most authoritarian has.

@anthonybernstein9698

5 ай бұрын

One thing is certain, it takes a certain something to attain the heights napoleon aspired to.

I have seen that film years ago as a little girl I was overwhelmed I think I should have a second look as a mature person

It doesn`t seem possible but somehow I missed this great movie.

LOVED THIS OLD MOVIE. THANKYOU. 👍👍👍🙏🇨🇦

I enjoyed the movie very much. Marlon Brando as Napoleon is amazing. Jean Baptiste Bernadotte looks like he does in pictures. From 1818 he was not only king of Sweden, but also Norway until his death in 1844. In Norway he was called King Carl Johan and in Sweden King Carl XIV. Swedish kings after him have been his descendants and still are. Norway and Sweden were in union from 1814 to 1905.

@francoiselicker4775

4 ай бұрын

Le "roi de Suède "à fait la guerre à la France et à celui auquel il devait son trône. Un personnage guère correct.le plus drôle était un tatouage qu'il avait sur la poitevine "mort aux rois"!

The actress who played the leading role look like combination of Elizabeth Taylor , vivien Leigh and Audrey Hepburn

@MsBiayna

5 ай бұрын

Jean Simmons

@LM48888

5 ай бұрын

I've always thought this, too!

@JJJBRICE

5 ай бұрын

Elizabeth Taylor , Jean Simmons were considered as the princess in Roman Holiday before then newcomer Audrey Hepburn was chosen .

@anneashley5110

5 ай бұрын

Jean Simmons was a very sweet beautiful actress. But not the artful, cunning type like Viviene Leigh. She married Stewart Granger, another film star heart throb. And starred in quite a few Biblical films, one opposite Richard Burton.

Carolyn Jones is a guest at the dinner party. Wow! Such a small part.

@margaretgoodheart4167

6 ай бұрын

Yeah but cute feet

I read this book when I was 13. Can wait to see the movie.

Have always loved this movie. Thank you, I so enjoyed watching it again after all these years.

So beautifully made - perfect casting and the lines well written! I love it thank you for sharing!

It's a beautiful movie. Love every bit of it!

Jean Simmons is so lovely.

What a great find on New Year's Eve! Hopefully this movie presages what happens to all would-be dictators. Brando at his best.And the beautiful Jean Simmons is more than a match for him, and Merle Oberon, regal as Empress Josephine.

@francoiselicker4775

4 ай бұрын

Napoléon n'a jamais été un "dictateur "...Lisez Napoléon intime "de Arthur Lévy...

Family history. Napoleon picked up. Young boy from a farm plowing his field. Forced him in the french or army. As ox driver. He made it back from Russia. That young boy was my husband's Ancestor. HE come back hungry and cold. So happy he was allowed To leave the french army. That little german boy.

@chepechapin5809

15 күн бұрын

Your forefather and the ones of millions left behind as orphans.

A very beautiful, informative and memorable movie and novel💖🌻🌻🌻

One of the best history movies ever. Thank you so much.❤❤

A superb film. Its one of my favourite films.

I love Marlon Brando since age 16 I have this movie as DVD

Very beautiful work and great to enjoy old classic movies

I really enjoyed this movie. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing. 💌

At least napoleon is not like hitler he is a brilliant leader… and also considerate enough to exile himself when he knows he is defeated.. real men indeed…

@user-py1pm3dq6r

6 ай бұрын

Hitler didn't learn from Napoleon Fortunately of course

@MyJesusLovesAndSaves

6 ай бұрын

Napoleon was responsible for the deaths of millions in his thirst for power over the world!

@chepechapin5809

15 күн бұрын

Yeah, right! With his megalomania Bonaparte left millions of orphans and widows throughout Europe, devastating entire countries, such as Spain where the French troops (and also the British ones) acted viciously against the civilians. Their sin was been the only people that never let themselves be defeated and subdued by the invaders.

What a pleasure to watch. Thank you for this upload.

Can’t believe it- my favourite book

I have always loved this, but it has been so long. I have read the book more than a few times. Thank you for posting this.

Desirees decedent's are still the royal family of Sweden and her son married a Bonaparte. 🎉

@texacostar9543

6 ай бұрын

I think you mean decendents. All of her "decedents are dead.

@44Lisbeth

6 ай бұрын

Yes and before marrying Josephine, he had an affair with a noble woman, thats the family line my family decents. I love the story told by AnneMarie Selinko, but the real Desiree hated beeing in Sweeden, got "mad" ( demented) and died in a country she didn't understand and diidn't like. She loved Paris and all her life she wanted to go back

I will always love this fabulous movie. The very best of all time!

It's a beautiful movie to watch. Thank you.

Stunning costumes! Love the Jacques Louis Davide scene.

Awesome, thank you!

Wow, what a beautiful movie 🎉

Wonderful movie and amazing performance by all… Beautiful gowns and ballrooms .. thanks for sharing

Volume is so low that if you turn up the volume on your device the commercials come thru blaring

What a great film, so many twists & turns. The cast of characters, - superb.❤

@chepechapin5809

15 күн бұрын

It's because it was based in a marvelous historical novel written by a Anne Marie Selinko, an Austrian writer.

Mekanlar kostümler ve oyuncu seçimleri müthiş...

Thankyou x such a fantastic film and Beutiful quality xx

I have the book and read it. It is a great book and I will read it again.

Superb movie....Thanx for uploading this 👌👌👍

She became the Queen Consort of Sweden...

I should really dig out my copy of the book and read it again.

Great movie. Thank You.🌹♥️

Superb movie,never knew this part of Napoleon

Wonderful film! Thank you!

Bloody love this movie!!! Aaalll of it!!!

Wow, fantastic 🎥 🎞 🎦 🎬 📽 !!!

Bernadotte was not a traitor

Wow. That was a crazy story. Wow!

Charles Boyer was a terrific Napoleon in the 1937 film Conquest and was nominated for an Oscar for his performance. Brando is good….

@user-vh5mz6re8t

3 ай бұрын

Sweden

Wow, this is the first time I have heard the story if it is true, Desiree was a queen Esther of sort. wasn’t she pretty? wasn’t Napoleon handsome? wasn’t her husband handsome ? and didn’t she carry herself as a true woman of God ! God bless you all this holiday season and reading a past comment about the actor and actresses names is awesome. I am too young to have watched them during their Venus. I am so glad I watched.

Great movie. Love Brando and Jean Simmons ❤

@richardscanlan3419

7 ай бұрын

Better together in "Guys and Dolls".

I love this movie. I watched it many times. Brando is a superb Napoleon. I refused to watch Phoenix’s Napoleon because Ridley Scott is a clown and I knew his movie was going to be trash.

@chepechapin5809

15 күн бұрын

Riley Scott aged quite bad, like a cheap vinager.

Such a cool movie! Funny to see those studio lights, props and huge remakes of natural suroundings... :)) Lovely movie and soundtrack! Lovely Julie Andrews❤️

@annastinehammersdottir1290

5 ай бұрын

Julie Andrews? That is Jean Simmons playing Desirée.

Thank you

Watching it for the first time. I also like to speak my mind and put pieces of bread in my soup like Desiree. And I can relate to her being heartbroken, because he's chosen someone else. I wish I also met another general to fall in love with..

Jean Simmons is stunning 😍 ✨ 🥰 A great movie. Thanks.

@geoffreynhill2833

Ай бұрын

Yes. Exquisite! ❤