Carnival in Flanders

Feyder's masterpiece is a triumph of wit and historical reconstruction. When the Spanish Army invades Flanders, the men feign deep mourning - their wives do not. This is a tale of charmingly heroic wives and terrified burgher husbands. French with English subtitles., In 1616, the town of Boom in Spanish-occupied Flanders receives word that a detachment of Spanish soldiers is arriving. Recalling past experiences of Spanish brutality, the men hide or flee. The women, led by the burgomaster's wife, decide to receive the army graciously and plan a carnival and banquet. After a night of feasting and merry-making, the Spaniards' harshness disappears and they reward their hosts with a year's remission of taxes. This lavish costume drama evokes the work of Flemish genre painters and pays homage to Brueghel and his contemporaries. With its political allusions, the film encountered controversy and censorship. Feyder and the star, Rosay, were hunted by the Gestapo and forced to flee France. (Does not circulate)