Step into the emotionally charged world of The Red Head (French: Poil de Carotte), a 1932 French drama masterfully directed by Julien Duvivier. Now, for the first time, you can experience this essential work of French cinema in a beautifully colorized HD restoration. This new version brings the rural landscapes, period costumes, and the poignant expressions of its young protagonist to life like never before, making it the definitive way to watch this classic.
The Red Head follows François Lepic, a red-haired boy known as “Poil de Carotte,” who grows up feeling unloved and unwanted in his own family. His mother, Madame Lepic, is cold and often cruel, showing open favoritism to his siblings while treating François as an outsider. His father, Monsieur Lepic, is distant and passive, unable or unwilling to intervene in the household’s emotional dynamics.
François’s only solace comes from the household maid, Annette, who offers him kindness in a world otherwise filled with neglect. The film explores the psychological impact of parental indifference and the longing for acceptance, as François’s pain grows so deep he contemplates suicide. The story, adapted from Jules Renard’s celebrated novel, is a powerful meditation on childhood loneliness, resilience, and the search for dignity.
Harry Baur as Monsieur Lepic
Robert Lynen as François Lepic (“Poil de Carotte”)
Catherine Fonteney as Madame Lepic
Simone Aubry as Ernestine Lepic
Maxime Fromiot as Félix Lepic
Louis Gauthier as Le parrain
Christiane Dor as Annette
Colette Segall as Mathilde
Marthe Marty as Honorine, the old maid
Each actor delivers a nuanced performance, with Robert Lynen’s portrayal of François standing out as one of the most affecting child performances in cinema history.
While often categorized as a drama, The Red Head is best described as a psychological family drama. It delves deep into the emotional realities of childhood, family dysfunction, and the complexities of parental relationships. The film’s rural French setting and intimate focus on domestic life add layers of authenticity and atmosphere.
Directed by Julien Duvivier, one of France’s most influential filmmakers, The Red Head is a sound-era remake of his own 1925 silent film adaptation of the same story. The film’s art direction by Lucien Aguettand and Lucien Carré, combined with evocative cinematography, creates a visually rich portrait of rural France. The colorized edition enhances these elements, highlighting the emotional palette of the story and making the world of François Lepic more immersive than ever.
The film’s editing and use of visual effects—such as dream sequences and overlays reflecting François’s inner thoughts—were groundbreaking for their time and remain powerful today. The restored color version brings new depth to these sequences, illuminating the psychological landscape of the protagonist.
The Red Head is widely regarded as one of the finest films about childhood, praised for its sensitive direction and emotional honesty. The last act, in particular, is noted for its heart-wrenching portrayal of a child’s despair and the small moments of hope that can change a life. Critics and audiences alike have lauded the film’s ability to capture both the cruelty and the beauty of family life, making it a timeless classic.
This HD colorized edition of The Red Head uses advanced digital techniques to faithfully recreate the look and feel of 1930s France. The restoration process involved meticulous frame-by-frame color grading, ensuring that the film’s visual integrity and period authenticity are preserved. The result is a version that feels both true to its era and freshly alive for modern viewers.
: Julien Duvivier
: Adapted from the novel by Jules Renard
:
: Lucien Aguettand, Lucien Carré
: Marthe Poncin
: Alexander Tansman
: Les Films Marcel Vandal et Charles Delac
: Pathé-Natan
: 91 minutes
: French (with subtitles available)
: MP4
: HD (1080p)
: Works on all major devices—smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
Throughout its history, The Red Head has also been known by its original French title, Poil de Carotte. Both titles refer to the same beloved story of a boy’s struggle for love and acceptance.
: Is this the original 1932 version of The Red Head?
A: Yes, this is the acclaimed 1932 sound adaptation by Julien Duvivier, now available in a fully colorized HD restoration.
: What makes this film a classic?
A: Its honest portrayal of childhood suffering, stellar performances, and innovative direction have made it a touchstone of French cinema.
: What other films did Robert Lynen star in?
A: After The Red Head, Robert Lynen became a child star, appearing in Sans famille (1934) and Le Petit Chose (1938).
: Is the film suitable for children?
A: While the film centers on a young boy, its themes of neglect and despair are best suited for mature audiences.
: Are subtitles available?
A: Yes, subtitles are provided for non-French speakers.
Experience the unforgettable story of François Lepic in vibrant color. Download the fully restored HD version of The Red Head (Poil de Carotte) now and discover why this film remains a cornerstone of French cinematic history.