I Watch Films: Widow Cliquot

 

Widow Cliquot

In early nineteenth century France Mme Cliquot, newly widowed with a young daughter, takes charge of her husband’s vineyard. He was making experiments with champagne which were starting to bear fruit, and she intends to continue the work. With somewhat half-hearted support from her father-in-law she gets the help of wine sales agent Louis Bohne.

One reason it’s left in her hands is that the Napoleonic Wars are going on with much uncertainty. Exporting wine is restricted; Bohne comes up with a way around them, taking the “Comet” vintage to Russia. Despite setbacks (a shipment exploding, occupation by Prussian soldiers etc.) she succeeds, the Tsar refusing to drink anything other than the “Comet” champagne.

However as the film progresses we learn more about her relationship with her husband in flashbacks, how he was tormented by mental illness and declined. Her attempts to maintain his legacy are at least in part her trying to recall what was good about him and their marriage, and to erase the bad times.

As might be expected, having made a great success the local winemakers become envious. They wish to take the vineyard away from her; as a woman she does not have the right to run a business. The film ends, then, in the court room summing up what she has achieved and where she wishes to go.

Watch This: Interesting historical biopic
Don’t Watch This: About wine and business, yet doesn’t engage strongly with either