Forbidden to Love

Synopsis

"Forbidden to Love" (original French title "Défense d'aimer") is a 1942 French drama film starring Suzy Delair. Set against the backdrop of war-torn France, the movie delves into a passionate, yet socially forbidden romance that challenges the conventions and dangers of the era. The story explores themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice as the protagonists navigate the complexities of their emotions amidst external pressures and personal dilemmas. Suzy Delair delivers a compelling performance, bringing depth and nuance to her character’s struggle between desire and duty, making "Forbidden to Love" a poignant exploration of romance and resilience in difficult times.

Cast

• 

  Suzy Delair

  Totte - Une manucure

• 

  Paul Meurisse

  Maxime Gavard

• 

  André Gabriello

  Gavard

• 

  Mona Goya

  Lucette de Saint Eglefin

• 

  Guillaume de Sax

  Horace de Saint Eglefin

• 

  Louis Salou

  Loysel

Reviews

Due to the film's age and limited international distribution, contemporary reviews of "Forbidden to Love" (1942) are scarce, and major review aggregation sites such as Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic do not have records or ratings for this title. IMDb lists the film but with minimal user ratings, generally reflecting mixed but respectful appreciation, especially for Suzy Delair's captivating performance. Film historians and niche cinephile communities acknowledge the movie as a noteworthy example of early 1940s French cinema, valuing its emotional depth and atmospheric portrayal despite its modest production values. Some critiques note the film's pacing as slow by modern standards but commend its evocative depiction of wartime romance. Overall, "Forbidden to Love" is regarded as a culturally significant yet somewhat obscure classic, appreciated mainly by fans of vintage French cinema and scholars rather than mainstream contemporary audiences.