The Madwoman of Chaillot (1969): Cast & Plot
The Madwoman of Chaillot is a 1969 comedy drama directed by Bryan Forbes, starring Richard Chamberlain as The Reverend, Oskar Homolka and Yul Brynner. It runs 2 hours 12 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 12m (132 min)
- Director
- Bryan Forbes
- Original language
-
English
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Madwoman of Chaillot About?
The premise of The Madwoman of Chaillot without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
In a world on the brink of nuclear annihilation, an eccentric Parisian woman offers an optimistic view that proves more sensible than the surrounding cynicism. Set in a 20th‑century society plagued by greed and authoritarian power, the story follows her and the “little people” as they rise against corrupt, soulless authorities.
The Madwoman of Chaillot Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- class conflict
- countess
- paris france
- corporate greed
- past versus present
- modern age
- 1960s
- nostalgia for the past
- stuck in the past
- year 1919
- contemporary issue
- foreign language adaptation
+38 more Show fewer
- stock broker
- military general
- feather boa
- waitress
- secret
- political demonstration
- marxist
- evangelist
- business proposition
- disillusionment
- love at first sight
- toilet seat
- delusion
- tap water
- moral dilemma
- kangaroo court
- conspiracy
- reference to woodrow wilson
- guilt by association
- hypocrisy
- proxy
- reference to the league of nations
- greed
- deaf mute
- reference to georges clemenceau
- role playing
- reference to the new york herald
- art collection
- death sentence
- cellar
- socioeconomics
- lost love
- artificial respiration
- world poverty
- scene during opening credits
- france
- satire comedy
- based on a stage play
The Madwoman of Chaillot Cast & Characters
Richard Chamberlain leads the cast as The Reverend, with Oskar Homolka as The Commissar and Yul Brynner as The Chairman. Directed by Bryan Forbes; 25 actors are credited in all.
- Director Bryan Forbes
-
Richard Chamberlain as The Reverend -
Oskar Homolka as The Commissar -
Yul Brynner as The Chairman -
Charles Boyer as The Broker
Also Starring in The Madwoman of Chaillot
· 21 more- Paul Henreid The General
- Donald Pleasence The Prospector
- Katharine Hepburn Contessa Aurelia
- Danny Kaye The Ragpicker
- Margaret Leighton Constance, the Madwoman of Passy
- Giulietta Masina Gabrielle
- Edith Evans Josephine
- Nanette Newman Irma
- Claude Dauphin Dr. Jadin
- George Hilsdon Waiter
- Henri Virlogeux The Peddler
- Fernand Gravey Police sergeant
- John Gavin The Reverend
- Gilles Ségal Deaf mute
- Bernard Woringer Policeman
- Gaston Palmer Juggler
Show all 25 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Jackie Farley Poule
- Harriett Ariel Flower girl
- Sabine Lods Poule
- Catherine Berg Communist secretary
- Manuela von Oppen Newsgirl
The Madwoman of Chaillot Plot Summary
What happens in The Madwoman of Chaillot from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Set in a 20th‑century world where power and greed loom large, the story imagines the rebellion of the little people against a corrupt, soulless elite. A renowned circle of men—The Reverend, The General, The Commissar, The Chairman and The Broker—gathers at a bustling café to hatch a plan for ever-grander fortunes. The Prospector arrives with a tantalizing offer: there is oil beneath Paris, but he requires that each man reveal a terrible secret before the full truth can be told. The group dares to share their hidden sins, and the Prospector finally reveals a shocking claim—that the earth of Chaillot is “soggy with oil.”
Full summary
The whole story of The Madwoman of Chaillot, scene by scene
The Madwoman of Chaillot Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Madwoman of Chaillot.
How Well Do You Know The Madwoman of Chaillot?
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
Which actress portrays the Countess Aurelia, the indomitable madwoman of Chaillot?
Cars in The Madwoman of Chaillot
23 cars on screen, including the 1966 Mercedes-Benz 600 W100 and the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air.
-
1966 Mercedes-Benz 600 W100 Important role -
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Minor role -
1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Minor role -
1965 Alfa Romeo 2600 Berlina Background role
The Madwoman of Chaillot Also Known As
8 alternative titles, including “La folle de Chaillot” and “La pazza di Chaillot”.
- Also known as
-
- La folle de Chaillot
- La pazza di Chaillot
- Die Irre von Chaillot
- La loca de Chaillot
- A Louca de Chaillot
- Безумная из Шайо
- La boja de Chaillot
- 파리의 백작부인
Seen The Madwoman of Chaillot?
Movies Like The Madwoman of Chaillot
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Madame, Mademoiselle and Madame X.
The Madwoman of Chaillot FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of The Madwoman of Chaillot, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Madwoman of Chaillot?
The Madwoman of Chaillot runs 2 hours 12 minutes (132 minutes).
When was The Madwoman of Chaillot released?
The Madwoman of Chaillot was released on October 12, 1969.
Who directed The Madwoman of Chaillot?
The Madwoman of Chaillot was directed by Bryan Forbes.
More films by Bryan Forbes Who is in the cast of The Madwoman of Chaillot?
The Madwoman of Chaillot stars Richard Chamberlain as The Reverend, Oskar Homolka as The Commissar and Yul Brynner as The Chairman, among 25 credited actors.
Does The Madwoman of Chaillot have a post-credit scene?
No. The Madwoman of Chaillot has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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
