by Hal Erickson
synopsis
Twice during his long and fruitful career, French playwright Jean Anouilh tried his hand at film directing. The second of these endeavors was Deux Sous de Violettes, released in 1951. Co-adapted by Anouilh from a story by Monelle Valentin, the film stars Dany Robin as teenager Therese Desforges. Uncommonly beautiful, Therese is forced to fend off the advances of various lechers and satyrs. Eventually she gives in to a much-older man, and the result is an unwanted pregnancy. After losing the baby, Therese considers herself damaged goods, but salvation is at hand in the form of a young and patient swain who has truly loved her all along. Some comic relief is provided by Michel Bouquet as Therese's doggedly good-for-nothing brother.
