The End of the Day Poster

The End of the Day 1939

★ 6.735 votes99 min📅 1939-03-24

In "The End of the Day (1939)", legendary filmmaker Julien Duvivier crafts a poignant drama that follows a group of aging actors residing in a somber old-age home, clinging to memories of their once-glittering pasts.

Director: Julien Duvivier

Cast

Louis Jouvet
Louis Jouvet
Raphaël Saint-Clair, former Don Juan and adored actor
Michel Simon
Michel Simon
Ernest Cabrissade, eternal understudy
Madeleine Ozeray
Madeleine Ozeray
Jeannette, little maid at the café
Sylvie
Sylvie
Madame Tusini
Madame Lherbay
Madame Philémon
Gabrielle Fontan
Gabrielle Fontan
Madame Jambage
Odette Talazac
Odette Talazac
Singer
Victor Francen
Victor Francen
Gilles Marny
Alexandre Arquillière
Alexandre Arquillière
Monsieur Lucien
Arthur Devère
Arthur Devère
Stage manager

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The End of the Day (1939) about?

This 1939 drama explores the lives of elderly actors living in an old-age home, where memories of past successes clash with present struggles. Their fragile world is disrupted by the arrival of a once-famous actor, reigniting old passions and jealousies.

Who directed The End of the Day?

The film was directed by Julien Duvivier, a renowned French filmmaker known for his emotionally charged and socially conscious storytelling in classic cinema.

Who stars in The End of the Day?

The film features a powerhouse cast including Louis Jouvet, Michel Simon, Madeleine Ozeray, Sylvie, and Madame Lherbay.

Is The End of the Day (1939) worth watching?

While it's not widely known today, "The End of the Day" offers a deeply moving and atmospheric drama that fans of classic cinema and character-driven stories will appreciate. Its themes of aging, failure, and nostalgia make it a compelling watch despite its age.

How long is The End of the Day?

The film has a runtime of 99 minutes.

About The End of the Day (1939) — A Bittersweet Drama of Aging Stars and Lost Glories

In "The End of the Day (1939)", legendary filmmaker Julien Duvivier crafts a poignant drama that follows a group of aging actors residing in a somber old-age home, clinging to memories of their once-glittering pasts. The arrival of Raphael Saint-Clair, a once-celebrated actor whose name once echoed through theaters, stirs long-buried passions and reignites old jealousies among the residents. Duvivier masterfully weaves a bittersweet tapestry of faded glory, unfulfilled dreams, and the harsh realities of aging in the entertainment industry, all set against the melancholic backdrop of their shared existence.

Louis Jouvet leads the ensemble cast as Raphael Saint-Clair, bringing a magnetic intensity to the role, while Michel Simon and Madeleine Ozeray deliver striking performances that anchor the film's emotional depth. The movie's atmospheric tension builds as the characters' nostalgia clashes with their present disappointments, creating a deeply human story that resonates long after the credits roll. A forgotten gem in classic cinema, "The End of the Day (1939)" offers a raw and reflective look at the cost of fame and the enduring power of art.