Das verbotene Paradies (1940): Besetzung, Handlung & Streaming

Released in 1940, Das verbotene Paradies is a drama, krieg and liebesfilm film directed by Abel Gance, running about 82 minutes.

What it’s about. In pre-World Ward I in Paris, a budding artist, Pierre LeBlanc, falls in love and marries Janine, a dressmaker's assistant. Pierre has a flair for designing clothes, and he and his bride live in a blissful paradise, until the war breaks out and he becomes a soldier. Janine dies in childbirth and, no longer desiring to live, Pierre volunteers for a dangerous patrol behind German lines. While recuperating in the hospital from a wound he received on the mission, Pierre spends his time drawing sketches of dresses. He becomes rich and famous after the war. Years later, after devoting himself to his daughter, Pierre seeks a marriage with a girl no older than his daughter. A conflict develops and to ensure his daughter's happiness, Pierre sacrifices his own plans.

Who’s in it. Das verbotene Paradies stars Fernand Gravey as Pierre Leblanc, Micheline Presle as Janine et Jeannette, Robert Le Vigan as Edouard Bordenave and Elvira Popescu as Sonia Vorochine, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.4/10, Das verbotene Paradies has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Das verbotene Paradies page.

If you liked it. Fans of Das verbotene Paradies tend to enjoy Die Verurteilten, Der Pate, Schindlers Liste and Der Pate - Teil II.