What Is ‘Children of Paradise’ About?

Unforgettable films from the City of Light.

Frederick relays this to Baptiste, who is married to Nathalie and has had a child with her.

This Classic Was Filmed During the German Occupation of France in World War II (Children of Paradise)

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He goes to find Garance, but Nathalie has already sent their son to tell her to back off.

Edouard becomes convinced that Garance is in love with Frederick, and plans to challenge him to a duel.

The next day, Lacenaire assassinates Edouard, and Nathalie confronts Baptiste and Garance in the rooming house.

Arletty and Jean-Louis Barrault perform a pantomime in Children of Paradise

Image via Pathé Consortium Cinéma

Garance flees, and Baptiste chases after her, losing her in the joyous crowd celebrating Carnival.

Much of the film takes place in the Funambules theater, where the characters perform their pantomime.

This carries over into the scenes that take place outside the theater.

Audrey Tautou in ‘Amélie’

Poetic realism was out, shot-on-location realism was in.

Their intertwined lives unfold in the world of theater and the bustling Boulevard du Crime.

Children of Paradiseis available to watch on The Criterion Channel in the U.S.

WATCH ON CRITERION

Two clowns chasing each other around the stage

Image via Pathé Consortium Cinéma

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Children of Paradise: Set against the vibrant backdrop of 19th-century Paris, this film explores the complex relationships between a mysterious actress and four men: a mime, an actor, a thief, and an aristocrat. Their intertwined lives unfold in the world of theater and the bustling Boulevard du Crime.

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Children of Paradise