1. Overview
Madeleine Robinson, born Madeleine SvobodaMadeleine SvobodaFrench, was a prominent French actress whose career spanned several decades, from the 1930s to the late 20th century. Known for her versatility and dramatic intensity, she navigated the complexities of the French film industry, including the challenging period of the German Occupation during World War II. Her significant contributions to cinema were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Volpi Cup for Best Actress and the Molière d'honneur.
2. Early Life and Background
Madeleine Robinson's formative years were marked by early challenges and a burgeoning passion for the performing arts.
2.1. Childhood and Family
Madeleine Robinson was born Madeleine Svoboda on November 5, 1917, near Paris, France. Her mother was French, and her father was Czech. At the young age of 14, she became an orphan, a profound event that necessitated her taking on the responsibility of supporting herself and her two younger brothers. Despite these early hardships, she developed a deep appreciation for theatre, finding solace and inspiration in watching plays.
2.2. Education
Her early interest in the stage led her to pursue formal acting training. Madeleine Robinson studied under the renowned French actor and director Charles Dullin, whose teachings significantly influenced her approach to acting and laid the foundation for her distinguished career.
3. Acting Career
Madeleine Robinson's professional journey as an actress was characterized by resilience and a return to prominence following a challenging period.
3.1. Early Career and Noteworthy Works
Madeleine Robinson secured her first lead role in the 1936 film Forty Little Mothers. Her career continued to develop, and she gained significant recognition during the German Occupation of France. During this period, she starred in several notable films, including Love Story and Summer Light (both released in 1943), where she played the role of Michèle. She also appeared in The Bellman (1945). However, her decision to continue acting during the Occupation led to difficulties in finding work immediately after the war.
3.2. Post-War Career and Resurgence
Despite the challenges she faced in the immediate post-war period, Madeleine Robinson gradually re-established her career. She returned to prominence with her role in the 1949 film Une si jolie petite plage (A Pretty Little Beach). Her career continued to flourish, and she remained an active presence in French cinema for many years, demonstrating her enduring talent and adaptability.
3.3. Major Awards and Honors
Madeleine Robinson received significant acclaim for her performances throughout her career. In 1959, she was awarded the prestigious Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival for her role in the film À double tour, also known as Web of Passion. Decades later, in 2001, her lifetime contributions to the performing arts were further recognized when she was honored with a Molière d'honneurHonorary Molière AwardFrench, a special recognition for her outstanding career in French theatre.
4. Filmography
Madeleine Robinson appeared in numerous feature films throughout her career. A selection of her filmography includes:
- Tartarin of Tarascon (1934)
- Madame Angot's Daughter (1935)
- Forty Little Mothers (1936)
- The Assault (1936)
- A Man to Kill (1937)
- Storm Over Asia (1938)
- Captain Benoit (1938)
- The City of Lights (1938)
- The Innocent (1938)
- The Marvelous Night (1940)
- Promise to a Stranger (1942)
- The Crossroads (1942)
- Summer Light (1943) as Michèle
- Love Story (1943)
- The Bellman (1945)
- The Royalists (1947)
- The Bouquinquant Brothers (1947)
- The Great Maguet (1947)
- The Fugitive (1947)
- The Cavalier of Croix-Mort (1948)
- The Story of Dr. Louise (1949)
- Between Eleven and Midnight (1949)
- The Barton Mystery (1949)
- Une si jolie petite plage (A Pretty Little Beach) (1949)
- Tuesday's Guest (1950)
- God Needs Men (1950)
- Savage Triangle (1951)
- The Man in My Life (1952)
- Alone in the World (1952)
- Their Last Night (1953)
- On Trial (1954)
- Mannequins of Paris (1956)
- Passionate Summer (1956)
- The She-Wolves (1957)
- À double tour (Web of Passion) (1959)
- Leda (1959)
- Day by Day, Desperately (1961)
- Le Diable et les Dix Commandements (The Devil and the Ten Commandments) (1962)
- The Trial (1962) as Mrs. Grubach
- The Gentleman from Epsom (1962)
- A New World (1966)
- An Unmarried Woman (1978)
- Seven Days in January (1979)
- Camille Claudel (1988)
- The Teddy Bear (1994)
5. Private Life
Beyond her professional endeavors, Madeleine Robinson's early life was significantly shaped by her personal responsibilities. Following the death of her parents when she was 14, she took on the role of supporting herself and her two younger brothers, a commitment that underscored her resilience and determination.
6. Death
Madeleine Robinson passed away on August 1, 2004, in Lausanne, Switzerland, at the age of 86.
7. Assessment and Legacy
Madeleine Robinson left an indelible mark on French cinema through her powerful and nuanced performances. Her career demonstrated remarkable resilience, particularly in navigating the difficult period of the German Occupation, where she continued to act despite the subsequent professional repercussions. Her ability to return to prominence in the post-war era, securing significant roles and critical acclaim, solidified her status as a respected and enduring figure in the industry. Her receipt of the Volpi Cup and the Molière d'honneur highlights her artistic impact and significant contributions to both film and theatre, establishing her as one of France's distinguished actresses.