Tonight on TV: Marcel Pagnol’s Unmatched Genius, Daniel Auteuil Shines as His Prodigy

Marius has spent his entire life at the Old Port of Marseille, at Bar de la Marine, a respectable and warm establishment managed by his father César. It’s a place known for its boisterous card games, loud arguments, and where insults fly from dawn till dusk. Yet, it’s also where friends always reconcile over a good glass of pastis.

However, Marius dreams of the horizon. Of the open sea, of journeys across the oceans. While secretly planning to sail away on one of the soon-departing ships from Marseille’s port, young Fanny, who has loved him since childhood, tries to hold him back.

An Everlasting Classic

A classic among classics, Marius is the first installment of the legendary Marseille trilogy written and co-directed by Marcel Pagnol. It is a piece of French heritage that continues to captivate audiences over the decades, passed down with a nostalgic smile to the next generation.

It’s tough to even consider following up such a deeply embedded cultural icon, especially given the unforgettable performances by the likes of Raimu and Charpin.

Daniel Auteuil Rises to the Challenge

Yet, that is exactly what Daniel Auteuil did in 2012. As a true lover of Pagnol’s work, initially having brilliantly portrayed the character Ugolin in The Water of the Hills and later directing The Well-Digger’s Daughter, he dared to revisit the timeless Marius.

While not surpassing the original, it’s clear he succeeded in giving his own interpretation of the work and provided a refreshing new version, never attempting to mimic Pagnol but also uniquely portraying the beloved César. Alongside him, to complete the impressive cast, are Raphaël Personnaz as Marius, Victoire Belezy as Fanny, Jean-Pierre Darroussin as Panisse, and Marie-Anne Chazel as Honorine.

To see for yourself, why not gather your family around the TV tonight?

Tonight on NOVO19 at 9:10 PM

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(Re)discover the trailer for “Marius”…