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Pierre Fresnay Filmography

ActorBORN 1897PARIS58 FILMS IN DB

PierreFresnay

Known for Acting · Grand Illusion, The Fugitives, César

58
FILMS IN DB
$481
TOTAL VALUE
17
PRICED
$28
AVG VALUE
DVD
BEST FORMAT
💎
RAREST RELEASE
Three Waltzes
~$140 · 4K · 1938
📈
MOST VALUABLE
The Thousandth Window
$0 · Est. market value

BIOGRAPHY

Pierre Fresnay, a titan of French cinema, left an indelible mark on cinematic history, making his films essential viewing for any serious collector. His career spanned decades, from the dawn of sound to the mid-20th century, and his nuanced performances in foundational works continue to resonate. Collectors frequently seek out his starring roles in classics like Jean Renoir's anti-war masterpiece *Grand Illusion* (1937), a Criterion Collection staple, or Henri-Georges Clouzot's chilling exposé, *Le Corbeau* (1943), which often receives deluxe home video treatments. Beyond these iconic appearances, Fresnay's versatility shines in early talkies such as *Fanny* (1932), part of Marcel Pagnol's celebrated Marseilles trilogy, and Alfred Hitchcock's British thriller *The Man Who Knew Too Much* (1934). These early works highlight his compelling screen presence and are often prized by collectors for their historical significance and the insight they offer into the foundational period of sound cinema. His later work, like *The Old Guard* (1960), further underscores a remarkable range, solidifying his status as an actor whose filmography is not just a collection of movies, but a window into the evolution of French and world cinema.

HIGHEST VALUE RELEASES

FILMS BY DECADE

FULL FILMOGRAPHY

58 films
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What era did Pierre Fresnay's film career primarily cover?

Pierre Fresnay's film career spanned from 1922 to 1970, with his most active decade being the 1930s.

In which types of film genres did Pierre Fresnay frequently perform?

Pierre Fresnay worked across a variety of genres including drama, comedy, thriller, romance, mystery, and fantasy.

Which film is Pierre Fresnay best known for internationally?

Pierre Fresnay is internationally best known for his role as Le capitaine de Boëldieu in Jean Renoir's Grand Illusion (1937).

Did Pierre Fresnay often play leading roles or supporting roles?

Pierre Fresnay often had top-billed roles in his films, such as Louis Bernard in The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) and Marius Ollivier in César (1936).

What are some notable films from Pierre Fresnay's career in the 1930s?

Notable films from Pierre Fresnay in the 1930s include The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934), Le Roman d'un jeune homme pauvre (1935), César (1936), Grand Illusion (1937), and Chéri-Bibi (1938).