A little over two years ago, I posted that independent distributor Olive Films would be releasing The Private Affairs of Bel Ami sometime in 2014. The year came  and went and I had started to give up hope that it would ever come out. Low and behold, yesterday Blu-Ray.com reported that it is on Olive Films May roster! It’s also confirmed on Olive’s website via a crossword puzzle, though I could not find anyplace to pre-order it.

I have expressed my love for this film in past, but am more than happy to wax ecstatic about it once again. Based on a novel by Guy de Maupassant and starring George Sanders at his caddiest, the movie also features Angela Lansbury, Marie Wilson, Frances Dee, Warren William (in his final role), and of course our Divine Miz Dvorak. This is probably my favorite post-War role of Ann’s. Compared to her live-wire pre-Code performances, she is very understated in Bel Ami  and is given the opportunity to demonstrate the range she had as an actress. Plus,this is one of only a handful of period films she appeared in. The late 19th Century Parisian-inspired costumes, matched with the intriguing set-design suit Ann well.

The Private Affairs of Bel Ami has been available to stream for awhile, but I am a strong believer in supporting the companies that take the time and effort to released these lesser-known films and will certainly be ordering a copy. Get yours here on May 24th! 

Enjoy!