Watch The Private Affairs of Bel Ami

The Private Affairs of Bel Ami is a classic drama film from 1947, directed by Albert Lewin and based on the novel Bel Ami by Guy de Maupassant. The movie stars George Sanders as Georges Duroy, a young man from humble backgrounds who rises to power and wealth in Paris through his manipulation of powerful women. Georges is a former soldier who works as a clerk in Paris. He is ambitious and dreams of wealth and power, but has little means to achieve them. One day he runs into an old friend, Charles Forestier (John Carradine), who now works as a journalist for a prestigious Parisian newspaper. Charles offers to help Georges get a job at the newspaper, and soon Georges starts writing articles that gain him the reputation of a talented writer.

Through Charles, Georges meets Forestier's wife, Madeleine (Ann Dvorak), who is wealthy and influential. Madeleine is attracted to Georges and helps him get ahead in his career, introducing him to her friends and acquaintances. Georges soon realizes that he can use his charm and wit to manipulate these women, using them to climb the social ladder and achieve his dreams.

Georges' next conquest is Clotilde de Marelle (Angela Lansbury), a married woman who is infatuated with him. Georges uses Clotilde to get ahead in society, but she is just the first in a series of women he will seduce and manipulate. Along the way, Georges becomes ruthless and cynical, turning against those who helped him and using everyone around him to further his own goals.

As Georges' fame and fortune grow, he becomes increasingly callous and selfish. He starts an affair with Suzanne Walter (Susan Douglas), the wife of a powerful government official, but when she becomes pregnant, Georges abandons her. When the scandal becomes public, Georges is forced to leave the newspaper and enter politics, where he uses his charm and cunning to become a powerful figure in the government.

Ultimately, Georges' ambition and greed lead him to ruin, as he is betrayed by those closest to him and faces the consequences of his own ruthless actions. The Private Affairs of Bel Ami is a powerful and evocative film that explores the darker side of human nature and the consequences of unchecked ambition and desire.

The performances in The Private Affairs of Bel Ami are outstanding, particularly George Sanders, who gives a superb performance as the charming and manipulative Georges. Sanders manages to portray the character's complexity and contradictions, making him both sympathetic and deeply flawed. Ann Dvorak is also excellent as Madeleine, portraying the character's strength and vulnerability with subtlety and nuance. Angela Lansbury is compelling as Clotilde, giving a touching and nuanced performance that highlights the character's emotional turmoil.

The film's visuals are also stunning, with gorgeous costumes and set design that capture the decadence and opulence of Parisian high society. The film's cinematography is also impressive, with striking visuals that highlight the film's themes of temptation and corruption.

Overall, The Private Affairs of Bel Ami is a timeless classic that explores the dark side of human ambition and desire. With outstanding performances, stunning visuals, and a compelling story, it remains a powerful and resonant film that continues to resonate with audiences to this day.