Prix de Beaute (1930)

Prix de Beaute is Louise Brook's last starring role in a feature, and her only film made in France. It tells the deceptively simple story of Lucienne, a high spirited Parisian typist who leads a mundane life with her fiancé, Andre, and a number of friends. While Andre indeed loves Lucienne, he has conventional expectations for their life together. When the Miss Europa beauty contest comes to town, he warns her to "not even dream" of entering it. Lucienne ignores his advice, and from there, Prix de Beaute follows Brook's character as she struggles for independence and happiness. Andre is overcome with jealous rage... leading to an unexpected and dramatic resolution. One of the first sound films made in France (a silent version was made concurrently), Prix de Beaute is an effective melodrama that is elevated to the sublime by the remarkable performance of the radiant Ms. Brooks. Kino is proud to present this little-seen film on DVD for the first time.

Director: Augusto Genina
Actor: A. Nicolle
Actor: Gaston Jacquet
Actor: Georges Charlia
Actor: Jean Bradin
Actor: Louise Brooks