Bel Ami on AllMovie

Previously adapted for the screen in 1947 by writer-director Albert Lewin, the famous Guy de Maupassant fable Bel Ami was filmed a second time ten years later. This "story of a rogue" stars Jean Danet as Duroy, a journalist who coasts through life on his charms and the "kindnesses" of beautiful women. In this version, Duroy is shown to be the corrupt product of an even more corrupt society, rather than the self-made louse portrayed by George Sanders in the 1947 film. In his efforts to get ahead, Duroy denies himself true happiness in the arms of the only woman he has ever really loved. Bel Ami was heavily censored before its initial French release-not because of its sexual content, but because of its pointed references to the then-current Algerian situation.