Permanent History of Women Filmmakers: Muriel Box

A prolific screenwriter unknown to the general public, Muriel Box emerged as a filmmaker during an era (the 1950s) when exclusively men dominated the cinema industry. Her films are characterized by a strong interest in relevant topics: the political situation in Ireland, abortion, adolescent sexuality... She tackles the battle of the sexes head-on, always keeping a touch of humor.

Retrospective in collaboration with the San Sebastián International Film Festival.

To Dorothy, a Son by Muriel Box (1954, 1h19)
Myrtle La Mar discovers that her uncle has promised a part of his inheritance to her ex-husband, if he becomes a father of a boy... Shelley Winters and Peggy Cummins play two opposing archetypes of women in this spirited comedy.
Villa Lumière Mon.15 11:30am | Villa Lumière Wed.17 9:15am

Simon and Laura by Muriel Box (1955, 1h27)
Simon and Laura, on the verge of divorce, are hired to play a happy couple in a TV series... A joyful comedy and a sharp criticism of what we refer to today as reality TV.
Lumière Terreaux Tue.16 5:15pm | Institut Lumière Fri.19 6:15pm

The Passionate Stranger by Muriel Box (1957, 1h37)
Judith writes successful romance novels, incorporating details of her own life, which can lead to misunderstandings... A light comedy that navigates between fiction and reality, between color and black and white.
Lumière Terreaux Tue.16 7:30pm | Institut Lumière Sun.21 2:15pm

Subway in the Sky by Muriel Box (1959, 1h25)
Baxter Grant, an American military doctor based in Germany, is charged with murder and drug trafficking. He meets Lilli Hoffman, a cabaret singer... A detective film in the oppressive atmosphere of post-war Berlin.
Institut Lumière Mon.15 2:15pm | Lumière Bellecour Thu.18 7:45pm

This Other Eden by Muriel Box (1959, 1h21)
A small Irish town wants to erect a statue in memory of an IRA fighter. The political atmosphere heats up..., a relevant film about the traumatic history of the Irish Civil War and the impact of heroes’ deaths on subsequent generations.
Lumière Terreaux Mon.15 9:45pm | Villa Lumière Fri.19 10pm

Too Young to Love by Muriel Box (1960, 1h22)
Elizabeth, 15, recounts the circumstances that brought her to court for juvenile sex delinquency... A social drama ahead of its time, controversial for directly addressing topics still taboo, such as prostitution.
Lumière Bellecour Sun.14 4:30pm | Villa Lumière Sat.20 7:30pm

Rattle of a Simple Man by Muriel Box (1964, 1h36)
Percy, a naïve young man, goes to London to watch a match. In a Soho club, he falls in love with Cyrenne, a prostitute... A comedy that painstakingly studies human relations and rank sexism.
Institut Lumière Sun.14 10pm | Lumière Terreaux Tue.16 9:45pm