Manon (1949): Cast & Plot
Manon is a 1949 drama thriller directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot, starring Cécile Aubry as Manon Lescaut, Michel Auclair and Henri Vilbert. It is based on Manon Lescaut by Abbé Prévost and Leonard Tancock. It runs 1 hour 41 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 41m (101 min)
- Director
- Henri-Georges Clouzot
- Original language
-
French - Studio
- Alcina
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Manon About?
The premise of Manon without spoilers, adapted from Manon Lescaut by Abbé Prévost and Leonard Tancock. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
In the newly liberated port of Marseille, two stowaways—Manon, a young woman once accused of collaborating with the Nazis, and Robert, a resistance fighter who rescued her from retribution—are discovered by the ship’s captain. They recount the hardships and perilous choices they endured to stay alive during the occupation.
Manon Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- year 1944
- based on novel
- immigrant
- jew
- normandy france
- flashback
- french resistance
- church ruins
- sahara desert
- brothel
- world war two
- vichy
+38 more Show fewer
- prostitute
- paris france
- hiding a jew
- wealth
- boat
- binoculars
- view through binoculars
- singing
- church
- kiss
- dancing
- la marseillaise
- playing accordion
- flashlight
- jealousy
- letter
- reading a letter
- cigarette smoking
- punched in the face
- dog
- voice over narration
- model
- lie
- spitting on someone
- train
- beach
- walking in a desert
- barefoot
- shot in the back
- death
- character name as title
- male slaps a female
- man slaps a woman
- manon lescaut character
- girl
- soldier
- greed
- strangulation
Manon Cast & Characters
Cécile Aubry leads the cast as Manon Lescaut, with Michel Auclair as Robert Dégrieux and Henri Vilbert as Ship Captain. Directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot; 46 actors are credited in all.
- Director Henri-Georges Clouzot
- Cécile Aubry as Manon Lescaut
- Michel Auclair as Robert Dégrieux
- Henri Vilbert as Ship Captain
- Serge Reggiani as Léon Lescaut
Also Starring in Manon
· 42 more- Gabrielle Fontan Mme. Agnès
- Robert Dalban Headwaiter
- Dora Doll Juliette
- Michel Bouquet Second
- Jacques Dynam Sailor (uncredited)
- Héléna Manson Gossipy Woman
- Franck Maurice Traveler (uncredited)
- Gabrielle Dorziat Saleswoman
- Andrex Smuggler
- Charles Vissières Old Man (uncredited)
- Daniel Ivernel American Officer (uncredited)
- Frédéric Mariotti Helmsman (uncredited)
- Geneviève Morel Mother on the train (uncredited)
- Simone Valère Isé
- François Joux Architect (uncredited)
- Paul Barge
Show all 46 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Edmond Ardisson
- André Valmy Lt. Besnard
- Jean Hébey Hotel Manager
- Max Elloy Waiter (uncredited)
- Jean Témerson Doorman
- Louis Vonelly Mr. Dégrieux (uncredited)
- Hubert de Lapparent
- Rosy Varte
- Charles Camus Old Gentleman (uncredited)
- Raphaël Patorni
- Jean-Marc Tennberg
- Raymond Souplex M. Paul
- Pierre Trabaud
- Joé Davray
- Marius David
- Henri Niel
- Jean Despeaux Boxer (uncredited)
- Max Doria
- Liliane Maigné
- Victor Tabournot
- Perrette Souplex
- Georges Fabre Sailor (uncredited)
- Robert Fretel
- Jean Lagache
- Wanda Ottoni
- Elisa Lamotte
More from Henri-Georges Clouzot
More films directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot: The Inferno Unseen, Woman in Chains, Verdi – Messa da Requiem and Karajan in Rehearsal.
Manon Plot Summary
What happens in Manon from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
On a cargo ship departing Marseille, the crew spots two stowaways: Manon Lescaut, Cécile Aubry and Robert Dégrieux, Michel Auclair. The ship’s captain, Henri Vilbert, threatens to throw them overboard unless Robert can explain his presence. To win mercy, Robert begins the tale that led to this moment, a story that threads between war-torn past and precarious present.
The tale rewinds to 1944, a Normandy village caught in the heavy shadow of Liberation. Allied bombs rain down as fear and suspicion run high. In the crypt of a ruined church, villagers accuse Manon of collaborating with the Nazis, and they menace her with humiliation and death. Robert, a French Resistance fighter assigned to guard her, intervenes, rescuing her and winning her wary trust.
Full summary
The whole story of Manon, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know Manon?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
In which French port city does the cargo ship, where Manon and Robert are discovered as stowaways, set sail from?
Cars in Manon
10 cars on screen, including the unknown and the 1942 Willys MB 'Jeep'.
-
unknown Important role -
1942 Willys MB 'Jeep' Important role -
1933 Renault Taxi G7 Minor role -
1936 Renault TN4HP Minor role
Manon Also Known As
10 alternative titles, including “曼侬” and “Pigen Manon”.
- Also known as
-
- 曼侬
- Pigen Manon
- Manon, viettelijätär
- 情婦マノン
- El ángel perverso
- Manon - Anjo Perverso
- 情妇玛侬
- Μανόν
- 마농
- Манон
Seen Manon?
Movies Like Manon
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Manon, Manon of the Spring and Manon Lescaut.
Manon FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, the book behind it, post-credit scenes and language of Manon, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Manon?
Manon runs 1 hour 41 minutes (101 minutes).
When was Manon released?
Manon was released on March 9, 1949.
Who directed Manon?
Manon was directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot.
More films by Henri-Georges Clouzot Who is in the cast of Manon?
Manon stars Cécile Aubry as Manon Lescaut, Michel Auclair as Robert Dégrieux and Henri Vilbert as Ship Captain, among 46 credited actors.
Is Manon based on a book?
Yes. Manon is adapted from Manon Lescaut by Abbé Prévost and Leonard Tancock.
Does Manon have a post-credit scene?
No. Manon has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Manon in?
The original language of Manon is French.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
