Paul Morand, a prominent figure of considerable acclaim, was infamous for his deeply ingrained anti-Semitic sentiments and his collaboration with the Nazi regime. In the year 1939, he declined an opportunity to join the esteemed Charles de Gaulle and the Free French government in London, opting instead to associate himself with the Vichy government. This fateful decision ultimately led to his subsequent appointment to a diplomatic post in the Romanian capital city of Bucharest, where he remained until 1944 when air raids became increasingly intense and he was compelled to flee the city.
Morand's odyssey reached a temporary standstill in Bern, Switzerland, a city that offered a sense of stability and permanence following the tumultuous era of conflict. The family's inherited wealth, bolstered by the substantial riches acquired through his advantageous marriage, as well as the lucrative profits generated by his literary endeavors, played a pivotal role in safeguarding him from the severe consequences that might have otherwise befallen him as a result of his involvement in wartime activities.
Jean Benoit-Levy, a Jewish film director of remarkable distinction and prestige, embarked upon a fascinating and ambitious project by adapting the esteemed novelist Paul Morand's literary masterpiece, La Mort du Cygne, into a cinematic tour de force of the same name. This endeavour was met with widespread critical acclaim, a resounding testament to Benoit-Levy's exceptional skill, artistry, and mastery behind the camera.
Passing through the annals of time, we find ourselves transported to a later era, where the novel in question underwent a second adaptation in the esteemed city of Hollywood, marked by a distinct creative vision and outcome that diverged significantly from its predecessor. This remake, entrusted to the skilled direction of Henry Koster, a Jewish filmmaker of considerable repute, regrettably failed to attain the same lofty heights of success as the original, despite the unwavering dedication and expertise of its director.
