Désirée (1954) User Reviews (37)

Brando's Napoleon is the only reason for watching

[bbmtwist · 6/10 · 27 June 2019]

Recently I viewed for the umpteenth time CONQUEST with Charles Boyer's brilliant Oscar-nominated performance as Napoleon. I have just seen DESIREE for the first time and am intrigued by Brando's take on the man. The make-up department has given him a Napoleonic nose bridge and he has supplied the rest. He plays N. as a moody, passionate, obsessed man, but plays him in a quiet, controlled manner. Only twice in the film does he lose his temper. This is a performance I will go back to and study. Brando's insight is as always stellar. His Napoleon believed so much in his "destiny," that he assumed the rest of the world would fall into place around that obsession. Fascinatnig to watch.

The film itself is a pretty, early CinemaScope epic with Oscar-nominated Art Direction and Costume Design. Jean Simmons does her very best to bring this woman to life, but as others here have observed, Desiree was a rather dull child, noted for her beauty, and little else. That her life was a Cinderella story (from milliner to Queen of Sweden) is of no doubt, but she never seemed to have deserved her good fortune. It is really Brando's film. He has 19 scenes and makes the most of every one.

If you are a Brando or Napoleon fan, do see it, but don't expect much from the story. It's pretty straight-forward with little drama (though the circumstances make for much drama if written properly).

At least a point of departure for a study of a great French leader...

[Nazi_Fighter_David · 7/10 · 18 August 2000]

Henry Koster directed many films with considerable charm and flair... His attempts at drama were for the most part less successful but always visually pleasant... He was nominated for an Academy Award for directing "The Bishop's Wife" in 1947... His reputation as a skilled artist led to his assignment as director of the first film in CinemaScope, "The Robe."

Koster does manage to keep the dynamism of "Désirée" and is excellent on both the technical level as on the screen acting... The film won Oscar Nominations for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color & Best Costume Design...

His high moment of the film was 'The Coronation Ceremony' where after the blessing of the crowns Napoleon seizes the crown from the Pope Pius VII and crowns first himself, then Josephine (Merle Oberon), Napoleon's first wife... (This petite brunette looked particularly ravishing as the empress).

Marlon Brando proved his versatility playing the great French soldier-statesman, a man insatiably ambitious, exceptionally intelligent, prompt to make decisions... Brando's performance is cool, calculating, compulsive, using a calm, measured English accent, providing the role its wise temperature of the most celebrated personage in the history of France & Europe...

British actor Michael Rennie plays the revolutionary general Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte with a noticed antipathy for his rival... Bernadotte shifts his allegiances, forming alliances with Russia, Great Britain & Prussia, contributing in the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Leipzig...

Jean Simmons - lovely as ever with her delicate beauty - gives the story fluid charm of a seventeen-year-old girl to a self-confident woman... We see her running through the streets of Marseilles, growing up in the outcome of the French Revolution, recording her daily written account of events, witnessing Napoleon's arrest...

Rescued from the threat of a jump into the Seine, Désirée rejects Napoleon's advances, and marries Count Bernadotte, now a Marshall of France...

Désirée was a romantic figure involved with two opposite characters: one as Emperor of France with an eternal search for wars and glory, and a king, uncertain sometimes about his capacities, with the necessity of a beloved queen besides him...

If not viewed as a history lesson, this fictionalized biopic is good entertainment and at least a point of departure for a study of a great French leader...

Caught In The Politics Of Two Countries

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 8 March 2008]

Desiree marks the first of two films that Marlon Brando and Jean Simmons did together, the second being Guys and Dolls. Brando had his problems with both films, he did not like Desiree at all.

Probably because first and foremost the film is about the title character who Jean Simmons plays. Desiree Clary the daughter of a Marseilles merchant who meets and falls in love with a young French general Napoleon Bonaparte during the years of the revolution. Of course history teaches us about the rise and fall of Napoleon. And it comments about his numerous affairs of which Desiree was the first. She was engaged to marry Napoleon, but instead he married the older, wealthier, and far more connected Josephine played by Merle Oberon.

Not to fret though, Desiree instead marries Count Bernadotte who was one of Napoleon's Marshals of France played by Michael Rennie. And when the Swedish Royal House of Vasa is destined to die out, the Swedish Parlimament elects Rennie to be the heir apparent. That does put him on a collision course with Brando who expects a little loyalty from his marshals. Rennie however sees his duty lies with the Swedish people.

Caught between both men and the politics of two countries, Jean Simmons gives a fine performance as a woman with more strength than she knew. The Swedish Royal line today is descended from their child who became King Oscar I of Sweden in 1844. Despite fine performances by Brando, Oberon, and Rennie, Desiree is first and foremost Jean Simmons film.

Desiree got two Oscar nominations for Costume Design and Art&Set Design for a color film. It came up short though at the Oscar sweepstakes. Still it's a fairly accurate portrayal of the historical events.

Feminist problems?

[aernest · 26 May 2008]

I have noticed that several posters have commented on the "anti-feminist" aspects of this movie. I think they have missed the point in this particular movie. The whole point is that history is capricious - anything can happen. Even an admittedly-not-too-bright-with-no-ambitions-above-wife-and-mother woman can suddenly be caught up in world affairs and be loved by two of the great men of her time. And that's basically what happened, historically. Desiree had no ambition or desire to be what she became - a queen, and the founder of a dynasty that still exists today. Hence, her dialog. Feminist criticisms are beside the point.

Opulent 1950's Fantasy

[jromanbaker · 6/10 · 10 October 2023]

I have not read the novel and have no desire to do so. This film is a sort of summit of 1950's opulence, and to a certain extent with its Cinemascope and lavish rooms it is more or less in the same league of similar Cinemascope epics dealing with ' history ', and they were mainly Biblical. There is no violence on battlefields which unlike King Vidor's non-Cinemascope ' War and Peace ' does visually show us the appalling nature of those suffering after the retreat from Moscow. This is a major flaw in my opinion as the film rests solidly in drawing rooms, decorative Balls and endless conversation. Marlon Brando after his great roles in films such as ' A Streetcar Named Desire ' tries hard at being Napoleon and I am convinced I saw a smile on his face when it should not have been there. It seemed to say I am not really buying this fantasy. Jean Simmons gives it her all, and her acting is splendid, but then she was truly one of the 1950's greatest presences on screen. The rest of the cast are adequate, and the film no doubt was great entertainment at the time. I am no authority on Napoleon, except he missed out on an united Europe. To sum up this film just avoids being dull, and sadly I found the final scene to be problematic to say the least. Its one virtue was its horizontal stairs and balcony. Excellent Cinemascope. .

ludicrous and camp

[jaibo · 7/10 · 16 December 2007]

Hilariously ludicrous and camp retelling of the Napoleon story, with the emphasis on his unrequited love for his first fiancée, Desiree. The way in which huge historical, world-impacting events are used as a backdrop to the sappiest of Barbara Cartland love stories is a real rib-tickler. Brando as Napoleon ads a dab of danger and a wink of an acknowledgement that this is an absurd farrago from beginning to end.

Koster directs with a real feel for Cinemascope compositions, and tells the story through reoccuring images of isolated candle flames burning, fires kindling, lights still shining as emblems for the love the characters continue to feel. They don't make 'em as ripe and silly as this anymore!

Desiree-Doesn't Give You As Much As Desired ***

[edwagreen · 7/10 · 9 February 2014]

1954 biography of Napoleon leaves a lot to be desired.

History is rushed in the film. At least, they could have shown what Napoleon and his French army had to endure during the bitter cold Russian winter that the invaders encountered.

The story is of Desiree who meets Napoleon during a walk in the park. He is assertive, demanding and is so much into himself. He immediately arranges the marriage of his brother to Desiree's sister and promises Desiree marriage only to be swept away by Josephine in Paris.

Another fateful encounter brings Michael Rennie into the film and they are wed.

As Josephine, Merle Oberon is totally wasted in the role. She appears briefly and of course was dumped for her inability to produce an heir to the throne.

How Rennie was chosen to be the future king of Sweden was not fully explained, but we soon see that Desiree was unable to adopt to Swedish culture and returns home as Napoleon prepares for world domination in the name of bringing forth a united Europe.

From the Lover of Napoleon to the Queen of Sweden, Desiree was her own woman, and defied convention.

[vernsheldon · 7/10 · 25 August 2022]

The story of the life of the lover of Napoleon, Desiree Clary, daughter of a Marseilles merchant who met Napoleon early in his career and later married Jean Bernadotte, his greatest General who as Carl Johan XIV adopted heir to the throne of Sweden, and the first Bernadotte King (Played by Michael Rennie with great dash)of the Royal Family that still occupy the Swedish throne. Desiree was indeed her own woman, who may have been the lover of Napoleon but she refused to marry him, all pre Empress Josephine (played by Merle Oberon) and before she met Bernadotte, who she did marry. Apparently she had an eye for a winner since napoleon was exiled to Elba and Jean Bernadotte was crowned Carl Johan l, ancestor of the present King Carl Gustav XVI.

Desiree was noted for her cool head and rational decision making in marrying Bernadotte instead of Napoleon. But she hated the rigors and stultifying protocol of the Swedish court and returned to Paris where she lived most of the rest of her life, leaving her son, Oscar l in the care of her more than competent husband. She late in her life came back to Stockholm to sit on Sweden's throne.

Simmons plays Desiree with a cool and calculating eye and manner. Very competent acting on her part. Cannot say this about Brando, as this was one of his most disappointing roles, he simply was not meant to play Napoleon Bonaparte. No panache and little emotion.

The Bernadotte Family was a compromise in Swedish history as the ancient House of Vasa had completely run out of male heirs, and needed a new Royal House to take over. The choice of a French Catholic family was not an especially popular one in Lutheran Sweden, but with their conversion this all vanished and Carl Johan became a beloved figure in Scandinavian history. Much more beloved was his wife, whose French sense of style became very popular in Sweden. They are related to all the Scandinavian Royals, as well as Queen Elizabeth (distantly) of England. Desiree was a great lover of jewels and fashion and added to the Swedish and Danish Crown Jewels, Crown Princess Viktoria as well as Crown Princess Mary of Denmark both wear jewels Desiree brought to Sweden from France

Jean Simmons plays Desiree as a cool and calculating measurer of men. True to her real personality. Merle Oberon played Empress Josephine with much regret and ennui as an Empress, divorced from Bonaparte and put aside for an Austrian princess. All in all a revealing look at what became the foundation of the Swedish and Danish royals. But it came off as tragic and cold on screen. I gave it a 7 because of the acting of both Simmons and Rennie and the sumptuous costumes and scenery. Not something I watch again frequently, but good for an afternoon diversion on TCM.

Fantastic, and beautiful costumes!

[HotToastyRag · 8/10 · 29 July 2017]

I fell in love with Marlon Brando's and Jean Simmons's chemistry in Guys and Dolls, but I didn't know until recently that they'd made another film together prior to their musical pairing. In Desiree, Brando plays Napoleon Bonaparte, and once again, he's paired up with Jean Simmons, the title character. Yes, we all know Bonaparte married a woman named Josephine, not Desiree, so what's the story about?

Daniel Taradash wrote a very interesting script, with exciting, passionate characters. The film lasts decades, starting from Bonaparte's introduction to Desiree, before he changed his name, through the memorable Battle of Waterloo. As famous a figure as he was, the film actually focuses on Desiree, the woman torn between Bonaparte and Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte. She's vivacious, loving, strong, and smart. It's easy to see how the two very powerful men fell in love with her. And if you thought Jean and Brando had sizzling chemistry together, just wait until you see her with Michael Rennie. He's absolutely adorable in this movie, and when Brando humiliates Jean by leaving her for Merle Oberon, it's no wonder she considers crying on Michael's very tall, comforting shoulder.

The Oscar nominated costumes, designed by Charles Le Maire and Rene Hubert, are exquisitely beautiful. Jean gets to wear a different gown in every scene, even in the diary-writing montages. She wears a gorgeous turquoise dress for only ten seconds, but it's a beautiful ten seconds. If you've only seen Jean in The Big Country or Guys and Dolls, you've got to rent this movie if only to see how beautiful she looks when she really dolls up (no pun intended). Even though Brando gets first billing, it's her show.

Cinema Omnivore - Désirée (1954) 6.8/10

[lasttimeisaw · 7/10 · 28 November 2022]

"Napoleon still can stir Désirée's composure, he is the one who gets away, and will always have a special place in her heart, but DÉSIRÉE respectfully keeps their old flame in check, Désirée learns in a hard way that nothing and no one can be weighted over his enormous ambition, and she resolves not to make the same mistake twice, plus, her pacifist thinking can never square with Napoleon's warmongering excesses. It resonates today particularly in its dialogue between an alpha male and his prized conquest, DÉSIRÉE might be intrinsically feminine, but its central dynamism is registered with adroit consideration and a gentle touch of sophistication, for a sumptuous period costume drama, vanity is preciously kept at bay."

ead my full review on my blog: Cinema Omnivore, please google it, thanks.

Rather cold and dispassionate despite being a truly extraordinary story.

[planktonrules · 5/10 · 14 April 2016]

This film is about Désirée Clary, a common French woman who was the one-time fiancée of Napolean and who later became queen of Norway and Sweden. She had a very remarkable life and it SHOULD have been an exciting film, though I found the movie to be very mannered and subdued...too subdued. As a result, it is not an especially exciting film...and it should have been. It follows her from her first meeting Napoleon and moves up through he ascending the thrones.

Désirée Clary is played by Jean Simmons, Napoleon by Marlon Brando and her husband by Michael Rennie. The film is also sumptuous to look at--with lovely sets and in full Cinemascope color. What it does not talk about at all are the marital infidelities by Napoleon, Josephine as well as Désirée's husband--all which could have made the movie much more interesting. So it's pretty but sanitized...and a bit dull because of this. It also just never sparked my interest at all and much of it is because the film is too episodic. Her life might better be told as a mini-series instead.

One of the best book to film movies I've ever seen.

[thelittletwin · 10/10 · 7 August 2003]

My first introduction to this stroy was when my best friend gave me a copy of a very battered "Desiree" by Annemarie Selinko. When I found this movie, I was skeptical. I love the book, and most often, when books are made into movies, they are ruined. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the movie fit in so well with the book, and in fact used some of the same dialogue.

I felt that all of the actors did a remarkable job. Desiree was almost exactly the way that I had pictured her. Jean-Baptiste was also very like the image I had previously formed. Napoleon was amazing. He was so like the real Napoleon, I didn't have any trouble beliving that it really was him. Even though there were some things left out, like the end of the book and therefore the end of the story, I enjoyed it very much. I would not object to seeing this movie more, and it made my love for the book increase a great deal.

If you loved the movie, and even if you didn't, I would suggest getting a copy of the book. The romance between Desiree and Napoleon is much more pronounced as well as Desiree's love for Jean-Baptiste. The story-line is the same, but the end gives you the much needed satisfaction of seeing Desiree back in Sweden.

In my opinion, this is a first-rate movie, and I reccommend it to all.

High quality performance

[OldieMovieFan · 7/10 · 2 December 2022]

A sumptuous, old fashioned Harlequin Romance brought into motion pictures, the stars at the height of their powers, the sets and cinematography all outstanding.

Jean Simmons was quite an actress. She brought elegance and chic and that amazing voice to a long string of blockbusters in the 1950s. She is very, very underrated. Brando didn't think much of his own performance in this film, but his lack of emoting is powerful and a welcome change from the sort of mugging for the camera for which he became famous. Rennie never changes; it is his strength, and his weakness as an actor. Like DeNiro, or K. Hepburn, or Bogart, we always know what we are getting with Rennie because like them, he doesn't vary from his screen persona; a similar talent but a smaller talent than the others, he seldom gave a poor performance and here he is at his best and working with two of the best actors of that day.

The result is high quality, late Golden Age entertainment, well worth watching!

Lavish and historic fiction piece about Napoleon and his love interest Desiree

[ma-cortes · 5/10 · 21 July 2010]

The film is partially based on historic deeds but predominates the sentimental drama . It develops parallels lives between Napoleon and Desiree. The story starts in Marseilles 1794 , when Robespierre fall , Napoleon is detained but after is freed . Soon Napoleon is rising through the military ranks in the Grand Armee , winning the loyalty of the people . After the conquest of Tolon , Napoleon forms a Directory and in 18 Brumario executes a coup détat in Saint Cloud , being named first Consul (1799) by means of bayonets . He undergoes the Italian campaign and vanquishes Austrians in Marengo, later the Egypt campaign though is defeated in San Vicente , Trafalgar and Abukir (Egypt). In 1796 , he married Josefina Beauharmais, but she can't give him a child , he has to make some dynastic decision and begins to lose control. As proclaiming himself Emperor (1804) at Notre Dame in the presence of Pope Pio XII. As he marries Maria Luisa , daughter of Austrian Emperor . As he named his brothers and sisters as kings , princes and princesses , as Jose (Cameron Mitchell) who married Julia(Elizabeth Sellars), Desiree's sister, they were proclaimed kings of Spain. As the disaster of campaign of Rusia 1812 (Borodino) , then is formed a coalition between Prussians, Austrians and Russians that defeated him in Leipzig and is banished island of Elba . But he returned , 1815, with the¨ One hundred Days Empire¨ being ultimately vanquished in Waterloo . While Desiree ( Jean Simmons) married French General Jean Baptiste Bernadotte ( Michael Rennie)who was appointed French Ambassador to Stockholm . In 1811, shortly before his death, the King of Sweden without descendants named Bernadotte his heir and the people recognized as successor winning the loyalty of the Swedish, it resulted to be a great decision . One time became King of Sweden he united with other countries for the end of Napoleons wars , collaborating in the battle of Leipzig (1813) and Waterloo (1815). In 1815, the Congress of Vienna acclaimed Bernadotte's title as King, and even granted him lands including Norway taken from Napoleon's faithful ally , Denmark. This forced union lasted until 1905 when both countries were separated . Nowadays the family of the Bernadotte and Desiree still are reigning of Sweden.....This is a lavish production detailing the historic existence and tangled love life of Napoleon Bonaparte . A vivid , sentimental portrayal about the famed conqueror and his relationship to Desiree . It depicts life story of Napoleon through the eyes of Desiree from his days as General in the French Army to his exile on the island of Elba and Saint Elaine . Brando never wished to perform the General but owed 20th Century Fox a film and so reluctantly to play it . This is a romanticized historical epic with excessive soap opera , dealing with Napoleon and his lover , however some might find it too slow for their tastes . Spectacular achievement with its use of color , glamorous scenarios, montage and charismatic titular acting by Marlon Brando. But falls short of the classic 1927 silent movie by Abel Gance or 1955 adaptation also titled Napoleon by Sacha Guitry with Raymond Pellegrin and Orson Welles or recent TV rendition by Yves Simoneau with Christian Clavier and Gerard Depardieu .

Gorgeous languid costume peice ..very understated.

[scott_keyes · 24 March 2003]

This movie is a feast for the eyes, and while slow paced and understated will be a very pleasant movie for some people.

This movie has good and simple characters moving through complicated situations that are easily understandable to most of us. The ex-girlfriend who's still a supportive friend, married to best and able friend who's conscience puts him in opposition to his lady's old love etc. etc.

Its a good romance/relationship film set in a gorgeous background using the vehicle of three real and outstanding characters to move through napoleonic history. I don't recall any gross historical errors so it may even be mildly educational too...

Its a VERY good movie, but it isn't exciting or thrilling or passionate or sexy or violent, but if you like your films to be visual feasts and can deal with the fact that sometimes emotions can be less than torrid and overwrought. and that humans have more subtle motives than sex and power.. You might like this

Talky Napoleonic drama with Brando, Jean Simmons and Michael Rennie

[Wuchakk · 7/10 · 13 October 2021]

From 1794-1815, the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte (Marlon Brando) is chronicled through the eyes of Désirée Clary (Jean Simmons), a young millinery clerk from Marseilles, who is initially infatuated with the future emperor of France, but winds up marrying one of his top generals, Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte (Michael Rennie), who remarkably becomes Crown Prince of Sweden and potentially allied with the very forces that oppose Napoleon.

Based on Annemarie Selinko's hit 1951 novel, "Désirée" (1954) is a costume drama concentrating on the historical love triangle and behind-the-scenes politics. Don't expect any flashes of action, like in Brando's "The Young Lions" (1958).

While Marlon begrudged the role because he was settling legal issues for walking off the lead role in "The Egyptian" (1954) and thus phoned-in his performance, the movie interestingly made more at the box office than his other 1954 film, the heralded "On the Waterfront." Phoned-in or not, Brando captured the essence of the brooding conquest-obsessed Napoleon and makes the flick worthwhile. But you have to be in the mood for dialogue-driven historical costume drama.

Whilst the script doesn't elaborate on it, in real-life Bernadotte was named Crown Prince of Sweden for his benevolence toward Swedish POWs, captured by him when he was a Marshal of the French Empire.

Although curiously becoming King and Queen of Sweden & Norway, neither Jean nor Désirée ever learned to speak Swedish other than "kom," which means "come" in English.

The movie runs 1 hour, 50 minutes, and was shot in France and California.

GRADE: B/B-

Factual story of Napoleon's first love, through the years.

[weezeralfalfa · 7/10 · 8 March 2018]

I've seen this film a number times over the years. Now, it's available at YouTube. Previously, I assumed Desiree was a purely fictitious character. Boy, was I wrong! There's a lengthy article on her on the web. Jean-Baptiste Bernadette also was a real person, who did marry Desiree. In the middle of the Napoleonic wars, he did switch from being a marshal under Napoleon to the heir apparent for the Swedish crown! Most of the things Desiree is pictured doing are reasonably historically accurate, aside from accepting Napoleon's sword as a symbol of his surrender to the allies. Actually, the real Desiree initially was engaged to Napoleon's brother, Joseph, who then switched to marrying her sister, opening the door for Napoleon to become engaged to Desiree. He rather soon broke this engagement when he found Josephine, who provided him with several advantages, but could not produce an heir, despite having 2 children from her guillotined husband. Interestingly, Josephine's granddaughter later married Desiree's son, who was king of Sweden!..... One problem with this screenplay is that Desiree is not really a very interesting person, aside from her beauty and connection with Napoleon and Jean Bernadotte. A number of reviewers complained that Jean Simmons, as Desiree, was too often whiny, or infantile. Well, it happens that this was the way the real Desiree was. So, I don't think we can fault Jean......Several reviewers criticize Marlon Brando's portrayal of Napoleon. Marlon rather looked like Napoleon. We was 5'9" compared to Napoleon's 5'7". But Napoleon actually was a bit taller than the average Frenchman at that time, at 5'5". But , some of his guards were considerably taller, making him look short. Whether Napoleon was deliberate, as Brando portrayed him, or quick and flashy, I don't know......Merle Oberon makes a beautiful Josephine, who doesn't have a lot of screen time.. Michael Rennie makes a tall Jean Bernadette, who was considerably older than Desiree. There seemed to be little passion between them.....The screenplay is mostly an indoor affair, with no direct contact with soldiers in battle. In one scene, Napoleon is ready to begin the Russian campaign. In the next scene, he's back home, defeated. The film lacks any real action or passion. But, I do commend it on it's relatively strong historical accuracy , being based on the novel "Desiree".

An epic movie named desire ?

[pierrealix-3 · 6/10 · 7 May 2020]

I don't know in the USA but here in the old Europe Marlon Brando is still considered long after his death as the best american movie star who ever lived....partly may be because of his satanic sardonic and satIrical side ? and of course because of his witty egocentrism ?......So it was a gas to discover that he met the biggest satanic and egocentric french leader who ever lived ! I must say i did not pay a great attention to the story obsessed that i was with his interpretation of Bonaparte.....Roughly speaking he was ok ....Brando has a distant resemblance of the young Bonny but he has the same overbearing look than his model and that's the main point....The mistake is that Brando is too polite too classy too much "Versailles"....Under his funny hat his unmatched intelligence and his unparalleled power the real Napoleon was actually rude brittle and completely ignoring pup manners ! still a good film and the beauty of Merle Oberon is a bonus...if you like this story watch "Le destin fabuleux de Desirée Clary" a 1942 film made and with Sacha Guitry ...(another one who had a terrific opinion of himself !)

Outstanding Performance by Major Actors

[walchonvonsentze · 9/10 · 14 March 2007]

Marlon Brando proved his stature as one of the greatest movie actors over and over again - from "A Streetcar Named Desire" through "On the Water Front" all the way to "The Godfather." In the light of his marvelous performance as Napoleon I. in "Desiree," it seems surprising that this movie doesn't quite get the same attention as those others he starred in. "Desiree" seems even more underrated when you take into account the great acting of Jean Simmons (Desiree Clary), Merle Oberon (Josephine Beauharnais), and Michael Rennie (Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte). All four main actors deliver powerful performances giving the viewer a real sense of the powerful personalities they embody.

The story is that of Napoleon, however, seen through the eyes of his first fiancée, Desiree Clary, daughter of a wealthy Marseilles merchant, whom Napoleon leaves to wed Josephine Beauharnais. The Beauharnais's political connections facilitate the military leader's rise to political power, but Napoleon dumps her for Marie Luise of Austria when it turns out that Josephine is unable to bear children.

Meanwhile, Desiree marries Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, one of Napoleons most distinguished generals. Thus, Desiree remains in Napoleon's orbit, and the Emperor repeatedly distinguishes her amongst the ladies of his court, making it clear that his love for her never fully died out. When the Swedish parliament offers her throne to her husband, Desiree follows Bernadotte to his new country. But since she's unable to adapt to the stiff protocol of the Swedish court, Desiree returns to France, just in time to see Napoleon make the tragic mistake of leading the "grande armee" to Russia.

Marlon Brando masterfully conveys the image of a charismatic leader who believes himself chosen by destiny to fulfill a task of truly historic proportions. In every scene, Brando's Napoleon commands attention and obedience by way of natural authority. From the moment he enters the Clarys' family parlor and seizes control of the evening conversation all the way through his bitter discussions with Bernadotte about the latter's acceptance of the Swedish crown to his acknowledgment of defeat after the Battle of Waterloo – Brando shows us a dignified, determined, and at times dangerous leader.

Just one - hilariously funny - example: There is a scene in which the court is rehearsing for the 1804 coronation of Napoleon and Josephine in Notre Dame with the future Emperor not present. Napoleon's sisters refuse to carry Josephine's train and bicker about their brother's not bestowing enough honors and titles upon them. All of a sudden, Brando's voice is heard "May I be of help in this difficult and strategic operation?", and the entire court bows down in deference. As Marlon Brando walks through the ranks of the lickspittles, everything seems in perfect order. He IS the Emperor in the same way that he just IS the godfather. And it's that natural authority that Brando conveys throughout the film.

Simmons's Desiree on the other hand is charming. The character is not designed to have the same powerful screen presence – though it lends itself to the movie's title – but nonetheless Desiree is an interesting character in that she exhibits human growth. The character starts as a naïve, flirtatious teenager infatuated by the "bovarisme" of romantic novels; she's just as overjoyed at commanding the attention of a general as she's heartbroken on finding out that Napoleon is going to marry Josephine. She then moves on to becoming the traditional mother figure as she has a son with Bernadotte; a desirable woman willing and able to bear responsibility, but without any greater intellectual ambition. And she finally reaches a stage of intellectual maturity which enables her to convince the Emperor in a grand, though highly fictionalized scene that it is better to surrender to the allied forces than to shed more blood in a futile attempt to save the bits and pieces of his shattered empire after the Battle of Waterloo. It is this development that is mirrored in Simmons's performance at all stages.

Oberon and Rennie as Josephine and Bernadotte are congenial counterparts – though their characters have considerably less screen time and are of lesser importance to the plot. Particularly Oberon's air of desolation in the scene in which she speaks with Desiree about Napoleon's decision to marry Marie Louise is impressive. So, too, are the aforesaid discussions between Bernadotte and Napoleon. Brando's Napoleon commands the scene here too, but there is an authentic sense that Rennie's Bernadotte is doggedly refusing to give in to his former commander's demands.

"Desiree" is an underrated movie, especially given the comparatively low IMDb-rating, which remains mysterious to me. The performance of Brando is outstanding; those of Simmons, Oberon, and Rennie are remarkable as well. It goes without saying that the costumes are lavish and the cinematography impressive. A top movie in the genre of historic drama.

Brando save this film .....

[PimpinAinttEasy · 5/10 · 7 November 2013]

A film mostly saved by Brando's acting. Brando overshadows the whiny and irritating Jean Simmons and an overtly stiff Michael Rennie. The film is filled with tall actors but the smaller Brando lights up the screen.

The cinematography and editing are so unimaginative. The film has some of the most ridiculous camera angles I have ever seen. The camera is static most of the time and you feel like you are watching a play. It is left to the actors to create some kind of tension but in many places you cannot even see their expressions properly because the camera does not move. And there is hardly any editing in some of the scenes.

one of the best movies that i have ever seen....

[rubal · 10/10 · 26 October 2002]

i saw this film when i was a young boy at the age of 15 it captured a wide area in my mind that i dreamt to see it again and after about 3 years i got the film from a friend and watched it for several times,and since then it was always on my mind for the last ten years...actually the most attractive thing in this movie is the character of Desirée which was a beautiful innocent female that we miss in our days...also the character of bernadotte was very positive and attractive simulating the men of old ages...and finally marlon brando gave the charactor of n.bonaparte its spirit..............

Dreary and turgid.

[alexanderdavies-99382 · 5/10 · 24 July 2018]

Marlon Brando and the rest of the cast do their very best with the rather average material with which they were lumbered. In addition, there is nothing much interesting about this film. I was expecting something more dynamic and thrilling and scenes that show Napoleon in battle. Alas, none of this was included in the screenplay. The plot just drags along. Brando and Jean Simmons work well together but their scenes are few and far between.

Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TEENQUEEN1171987 · 14 August 2003]

I've never seen a Brando film before. I've never seen a Napoleon film before. But after studying Napoleon in World history class and seeing Desiree, I've come to the conclusion the Brando must be a descendant of Napoleon or something. He IS Napoleon. I wasn't that interested when my grandmother suggested it, but I don't take things at face value. I check it out. True it's not incredibly accurate, historically speaking, though a lot of it is true and someone certainly did their research. If I recall my history class correctly someone once called Napoleon "The greatest Godless man alive." or something like that. But Brando IS Napoleon. No Question.

Charming, enjoyable, gorgeous costumes, beautiful actors

[ljneil · 9/10 · 3 March 2006]

I watched this movie for the first time as a girl of 12 yrs. I loved it then and I love it now. I love the spunk of the character, Desiree Clary, so innocent, youthful, and fearless. The costumes were gorgeous. The story line has been described as sappy by some, but it provided a human, romantic overview of the era and of Napoleon, I enjoyed the movie and the actors and that's all that matters. Marlon Brando and Michael Rennie just added to the enjoyment. I vowed at the time that I first saw the movie, should I have a daughter I'd name her Desiree and I was blessed with a beautiful dark haired baby girl and her name is "Desiree". She just turned 22.

Long and boring

[blanche-2 · 5/10 · 18 January 2006]

Jean Simmons and Marlon Brando star in Desiree, the story of a young woman briefly involved with Napoleon. This is a sumptuous production to look at, but it's too long and extremely boring. Unlike some of the other posters, I was unimpressed with Marlon Brando's whispering Napoleon. I am a huge fan of Brando's and found his static portrayal a disappointment. He did, however, look like Napoleon, with the lock of hair over his forehead.

I am also a huge fan of Jean Simmons but unfortunately, both of these actors were let down by the script and the incredibly plodding direction. Her character never really developed past girlhood. There was no chemistry between the two, and the story just meandered along. Michael Rennie as Bernadotte had little to do. The only standout was the beautiful Merle Oberon as the ousted Josephine. Also, historically, the film is inaccurate.

Overall, pretty to look at, and a drag to watch.