Interesting first (silent) movie from Renoir he realized so his wife could have the leading role of Catherine. The movie became an object of quarrel between Renoir and Dieudonné who directed this vehicle together and each played also a part in the movie. Was this a Renoir movie or one of Dieudonné, reducing Renoir to its pupil? The dispute became so heavy 2 versions exist, one cut by Renoir and one by Dieudonné. However the themes are so typically Renoir that I question the claim of the co-director. Like in so many other Renoir movies you see a picture of the relationships between masters and servants, with a clear sympathy for the servants and a great dislike for the hypocrisy of the ruling classes. Also the contradiction between order and disorder (major theme in the complete oeuvre of Renoir) is already present in this first attempt to make a movie.
Credits
Backbiters Cast
| Name |
Character |
|
Albert Dieudonné
He was 35, 86 years old when he died
|
as Maurice Laisné |
|
Maud Richard
She was 33, 108 years old when she died
|
as Madame Mallet |
|
Louis Gauthier
He was 8, 103 years old when he died
|
as Georges Mallet |
|
Catherine Hessling
She was 24, 79 years old when she died
|
as Catherine Ferrand |
Backbiters Crew
| Name |
Department |
|
Jean Renoir as Director. He was 30 (84) years old when He died
|
Directing |
|
Albert Dieudonné as Director. He was 35 (86) years old when He died
|
Directing |
