La Rançon du Bonheur (1912): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1912, La Rançon du Bonheur is a drama film directed by Léonce Perret, running about 27 minutes.

What it’s about. The bright junior lieutenant Jacques Mareuil, son of an admiral, is stationed in one of our great military ports, and is neighbors with the young Suzie Darvel, who has opted for a career as an opera singer. Having a great knowledge of music himself, the navy officer, who finds the girl’s voice quite interesting, writes her a melody, making it a gift to her. That same day, he receives orders to set sail, putting an end to the beautiful love story which had just begun. Three years later, junior lieutenant Jacques Mareuil returns to Paris. While attending a performance of Carmen, he recognizes the interpreter of the Bizet character as his lovely neighbor from the past. Jacques Mareuil falls in love with the great singer and wants to marry her. His father is however categorically opposed to the decision, and with the aid of one his colleagues at the Naval Department, he obtains an immediate departure to Indochina for Jacques.

Who’s in it. La Rançon du Bonheur stars Suzanne Grandais as Suzie Darvel, Léonce Perret as Lieutenant Jacques Mareuil, Émile Keppens and Alice Tissot.

How it landed. With an audience score of 8.0/10, La Rançon du Bonheur sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch La Rançon du Bonheur page.

If you liked it. Fans of La Rançon du Bonheur tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.