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66% Critic Match
Désirée
“The life...the women...the conquests of Napoleon!”
6.6 / 10• 1954• 1h 50m•NR• English
DramaRomance
Storyline
In Marseilles, France in 1794, Desiree Clary, a young millinery clerk, becomes infatuated with Napoleon Bonaparte, but winds up wedding General Jean-Baptiste Berandotte, an aid to Napoleon who later joins the forces that bring about the Emperor's downfall. Josephine Beauharnais, a worldly courtesan marries Napoleon and becomes Empress of France, but is then cast aside by her spouse when she proves unable to produce an heir to the throne.
Cast & Crew
Marlon Brando
Napoleon Bonaparte
Lead
Jean Simmons
Desiree Clary
Merle Oberon
Empress Josephine
Michael Rennie
Bernadotte
Cameron Mitchell
Joseph Bonaparte
Elizabeth Sellars
Julie
Charlotte Austin
Paulette Bonaparte
Cathleen Nesbitt
Mme. Bonaparte
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Henry Koster's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. Désirée is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
