Marcel Achard
Actor
About Marcel Achard
Marcel Achard, born Marcel Augustin Ferréol, was a renowned French playwright and screenwriter who made a brief but memorable appearance in the avant-garde film 'Entr'acte' (1924). Though primarily celebrated for his theatrical works rather than his acting, Achard's contribution to French cinema and theater spanned several decades. He began his career as a journalist before transitioning to playwriting in the 1920s, quickly establishing himself as a master of romantic comedy and witty dialogue. His plays were characterized by their sophisticated humor, romantic themes, and keen observations of human relationships. Throughout his career, Achard wrote over 50 plays, many of which were adapted into successful films. He was elected to the prestigious Académie française in 1959, cementing his status as one of France's most important literary figures of the 20th century. Despite his brief foray into acting with 'Entr'acte,' Achard's lasting legacy remains in his written works that continue to be performed and studied today.
The Craft
On Screen
Minimal acting experience, appeared only in avant-garde experimental films
Milestones
- Appeared in the surrealist film 'Entr'acte' (1924)
- Wrote over 50 successful plays
- Elected to the Académie française (1959)
- Multiple film adaptations of his theatrical works
- Grand Prix du Théâtre de l'Académie Française (1956)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Grand Prix du Théâtre de l'Académie Française (1956)
- Prix Goncourt de la Nouvelle (1954)
Nominated
- Tony Award for Best Play nomination for 'The Lovers' (1956)
Special Recognition
- Elected to Académie française (Seat 22, 1959)
- Commandeur de la Légion d'honneur
- Officier des Arts et des Lettres
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Marcel Achard significantly shaped French popular theater and cinema with his sophisticated comedies and romantic dramas. His works bridged the gap between traditional boulevard theater and more modern sensibilities, making him a transitional figure in French cultural history. His plays and screenplays helped define French romantic comedy for generations, influencing countless writers and filmmakers. The success of his works internationally also helped export French cultural sophistication to global audiences during the mid-20th century.
Lasting Legacy
Achard's legacy endures through the continued performance of his plays in theaters worldwide and the lasting influence on French romantic comedy. His election to the Académie française secured his place among France's literary immortals. Many of his plays continue to be adapted for contemporary audiences, proving the timelessness of his themes and dialogue. His brief appearance in 'Entr'acte' connects him to the avant-garde movement of the 1920s, while his mainstream success demonstrates his versatility as a creator.
Who They Inspired
Achard influenced generations of French playwrights and screenwriters with his mastery of dialogue and romantic themes. His work inspired filmmakers like François Truffaut and Éric Rohmer, who appreciated his sophisticated approach to relationships and comedy. Contemporary French cinema continues to echo his blend of wit and romance, particularly in romantic comedies. His plays served as training grounds for many prominent French actors who later became film stars.
Off Screen
Marcel Achard led a relatively private life focused on his literary career. He was known for his wit and charm in Parisian literary circles. Despite his success, he maintained a humble demeanor and continued writing until his final years. His personal relationships often inspired the romantic themes in his works.
Education
Educated in Lyon, studied law before turning to journalism and literature
Family
- Micheline Achard (married 1948-1974)
Did You Know?
- His stage name 'Achard' was taken from a character in a play he admired
- Despite appearing in 'Entr'acte,' he never pursued acting as a career
- He was one of the few playwrights elected to the Académie française in the 20th century
- His play 'Jeux d'enfants' was adapted into a film that became a classic of French cinema
- He began his career as a sports journalist
- His works were particularly popular in the United States during the 1950s
- He wrote under multiple pseudonyms early in his career
- His real name Ferréol was also used as a character name in several of his plays
- He was friends with many prominent figures of the French Resistance during WWII
- His apartment in Paris became a gathering place for literary and artistic figures
In Their Own Words
The theater is the art of making the impossible seem possible for two hours
Love is the only subject worth writing about, because it contains all others
Comedy is tragedy viewed from a distance
In every love story, there are three people: the two lovers and the audience
The secret of good dialogue is not saying what people would say, but what they wish they could say
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Marcel Achard?
Marcel Achard was a renowned French playwright and screenwriter, born Marcel Augustin Ferréol in 1899. While he briefly appeared in the avant-garde film 'Entr'acte' (1924), he was primarily celebrated for writing over 50 plays that defined French romantic comedy and drama throughout the mid-20th century.
What films is Marcel Achard best known for?
Although Achard was primarily a playwright, his most notable film appearance was in 'Entr'acte' (1924), a surrealist short film. More significantly, he wrote screenplays for films like 'Jeux d'enfants' (1947) and contributed to 'La Ronde' (1950), with many of his plays being adapted into successful films throughout his career.
When was Marcel Achard born and when did he die?
Marcel Achard was born on September 5, 1899, in Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, France, and died on September 9, 1974, in Paris, France, just four days after his 75th birthday.
What awards did Marcel Achard win?
Achard received the Grand Prix du Théâtre de l'Académie Française in 1956 and the Prix Goncourt de la Nouvelle in 1954. His highest honor was election to the Académie française in 1959, and he was also named Commandeur de la Légion d'honneur and Officier des Arts et des Lettres.
What was Marcel Achard's writing style?
Achard was known for his sophisticated wit, romantic themes, and masterful dialogue. His plays typically explored relationships with charm and intelligence, blending comedy with deeper emotional truths. His style bridged traditional boulevard theater with more modern sensibilities, making his work both accessible and artistically significant.
Learn More
Films
1 film
