Lac aux Dames

Novelist Vicki Baum was the author of Grand Hotel and of this variant, set in a lakeside spa in the Tyrol. Aumont is a swimming instructor whose charms enthral, to varying degrees, a gold-digger on the run (Meery), an heiress (Deréan) and a saucy teenager from across the lake (Simon). Colette's dialogue, some moody photography and Allégret's showcasing of his youthful cast are the main attractions. It's easy to see why Hollywood snapped up Simone Simon, though not why the equally vivacious Meery was declined, unless her nude scenes scared them off.