Interview with Georges de Beauregard

Abstract

One of the chief reasons for the emergence of a wealth of new talent in the French cinema, during the New Wave and after, has been the existence of courageous producers willing to take chances on young directors. Georges de Beauregard is perhaps the most outstanding example-the producer of Godard's Breathless, Demy's Lola, Rozier's Adieu Philippine, Melville's Leon Morin Pretre, Varda's Cleo de Cinq ~i Sept, Schoendorffer's La 317e Section, Rivette's La Religeuse, and many others. Recognition is also due to Pierre Braunberger, whose career goes back to the twenties and includes such classics as Entr'Acte, Le Chien Andalou, L'Age d'Or, and who has also made notable contemporary contributions as the producer for films by Resnais, Truffaut, Doniol-Valcroze, and Rouch. Anatole Dauman is another important figure, who has produced films by Resnais, Baratier, Varda, Marker, Astruc, and Ruspoli. But Beauregard's operations are characteristic of the extraordinary daring and flexibility whch has enabled these producers to bridge the often conflicting demands of commerce and art. Such men do not yet exist in the American cinema, and we need them badly if new directors are to have the freedom of action required to revivify the American film. Meanwhile, shortly after giving this interview, Beauregard decided to enter politics, running against the Gaullist minister who had banned his film La Religeuse. We have just learned at press time that he lost, and it is not known whether he will return to producing films.