Henri Decoin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henri Decoin
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Henri Decoin in 1919
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| Born | 18 March 1890 Paris, France
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| Died | 4 July 1969 (aged 79) Paris, France
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| Occupation | Film director Screenwriter |
| Years active | 1925–1964 |
| Spouse(s) | 4, including: Blanche Montel
(m. 1927; div. 1934) |
| Children | 2, including Didier Decoin |
Henri Decoin (born March 18, 1890 – died July 4, 1969) was a talented French film director and screenwriter. He made over 50 movies between 1933 and 1964. Before becoming a famous filmmaker, he was a great swimmer! He won a national swimming title in 1911 and held a national record in the 500-meter freestyle. He also competed in the 1908 Summer Olympics for swimming and in the 1912 Summer Olympics for water polo.
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Henri Decoin's Life and Career
During World War I, Henri Decoin served as a pilot. After the war, he worked as a sports journalist for famous newspapers like L'Auto and Paris-Soir.
In 1926, he published his first book, Quinze Combats (Fifteen Rounds). This experimental book won an award and described a boxing match from the boxer's point of view. In 1933, he directed his first film, Les requins du pétrole (The Oil Sharks).
A Director of Many Styles
Henri Decoin was known for directing many different types of movies. He made detective stories based on books by Georges Simenon, like The Strangers in the House (1942). He also directed historical films such as The Case Of Poisons (1955) and The Iron Mask (1962).
He also made exciting spy thrillers like The Cat (1958) and police dramas such as Fire To The Powder (1957). He even directed psychological films like The Green Domino (1935), where he met his second wife, Danielle Darrieux.
Decoin worked with many of France's biggest movie stars. These included Jean Marais, Louis Jouvet, Juliette Gréco, Lino Ventura, Anouk Aimée, Jeanne Moreau, and Jean Gabin.
Learning from Hollywood
Henri Decoin directed his wife, Danielle Darrieux, in several films. In 1938, he went with her to Hollywood when she signed a contract with Universal Pictures. While there, he took the chance to learn how American movies were made. He brought these new filmmaking techniques back to France. Decoin was one of the most active and productive directors of his time.
Henri Decoin's Family Life
Henri Decoin was married four times. His second marriage was to the famous actress and singer Danielle Darrieux. He had two sons: Jacques Decoin (1928–1998) and Didier Decoin (born 1945). Didier also became a well-known screenwriter, following in his father's footsteps.
Selected Films Directed by Henri Decoin
- His Highness Love (1931)
- The Unknown Singer (1931)
- Sailor's Song (1932)
- The Oil Sharks (1933)
- Gold in the Street (1934)
- Toboggan (1934)
- King of the Camargue (1935)
- The Green Domino (1935)
- Port Arthur (1936)
- Return at Dawn (1938)
- Abused Confidence (1938)
- Beating Heart (1940)
- Her First Affair (1941)
- Annette and the Blonde Woman (1942)
- Love Marriage (1942)
- The Benefactor (1942)
- I Am with You (1943)
- Devil's Daughter (1946)
- The Lovers of Pont Saint Jean (1947)
- Clockface Café (1947)
- Between Eleven and Midnight (1949)
- At the Grand Balcony (1949)
- Clara de Montargis (1951)
- Love and Desire (1951)
- Nightclub (1951)
- La Vérité sur Bébé Donge (1952)
- Dortoir des grandes (1953)
- Lovers of Toledo (1953)
- One Step to Eternity (1954)
- Les Intrigantes (1954)
- Razzia sur la chnouf (1955)
- The Affair of the Poisons (1955)
- Folies-Bergère (1957)
- Charming Boys (1957)
- Burning Fuse (1957)
- Anyone Can Kill Me (1957)
- The Cat (1958)
- Pourquoi viens-tu si tard? (1959)
- Nathalie, Secret Agent (1959)
- The Cat Shows Her Claws (1960)
- Where the Truth Lies (1962)
- Casablanca, Nest of Spies (1963)
- Les Parias de la gloire (1964)
- Nick Carter va tout casser (1964)
