Feature film
The Cage
La Cage
Robert Darène · 1963
Synopsis
Philippe, a young African doctor trained in Paris, returns to Gabon to marry Oyane. Sent into the bush to fight a smallpox epidemic, he comes up against villagers who trust only Michel, a white forester whom they regard as a sorcerer. At Michel's home he meets Isabelle, Michel's wife, a young blonde woman who gains a growing hold over him and in whom Oyane recognises the legendary Mamy Watta.
Context
The film is produced by two French companies, including Lions Films, on behalf of France and Gabon. Shot in black and white on 35 mm, it was released in France in May 1963 and runs for eighty-five minutes. Marina Vlady plays Isabelle, Jean Servais the forester Michel; the actor who plays the doctor, Philippe Mory, is among the authors of the screenplay, with Marc Boureau. It is also shown under the title Mamy Watta.
Who it is for
A melodrama about a doctor grappling with the beliefs of a village, in the Gabonese bush.
Prizes and reception
Presented in competition at the Cannes Film Festival in 1963, on behalf of Gabon, with Marina Vlady and Jean Servais heading the cast.
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