I think one of the reasons why the movie “French Postcards” is so special to me is because it captured the unforgettable experiences one has when traveling abroad in youth. I know because I experienced it during my summers in Italy as a young man. The movie focused on France but it’s the same vibe and magic in Italy and throughout Europe. It’s the coming of age and the life-changing lessons one learns as you mature and learn about love and life. The movie does a wonderful job showing this amazing experience.
The entire cast was wonderful and unknowns at the time. Debra Winger and Mandy Patinkin play minor roles but stand out nonetheless. Winger as the whacky friend and Mandy as a deranged Iranian who keeps saying “No problem”. Blanche Baker plays the girl who does the voice over reading her postcards from France to her boyfriend back in the states. She was the one who played the older sister in 16 candles that got married.
I related mostly with the two leads: Miles Chapman as the shy and sometimes weak American named Joel and his friend named Alex who was the total opposite played by David Marshall Grant. Alex teaches Joel to get out of the house and enjoy Paris and love instead of staying in and watching old reruns of Star Trek in French. Joel ultimately teaches Alex to be more responsible and stop running away from those that care about him.
The girl that Joel falls for was a beautiful young actress named Toni played by Valérie Quennessen who co-starred in Summer Lovers in 1982 with Darryl Hannah. Sadly, Valerie died young in an auto accident so her career cut short.
Here’s the love theme for Toni & Joel which is also the main theme of the movie played at the closing end credits.
The romance between Alex and his teacher named Madam Tessier played by Marie-France Pisier was very exciting. She was in a loveless marriage and Alex made her feel alive again. The most memorable moment of the movie for me came when Alex sings a song her wrote for her as a school assignment, “The Thing of it is”. It’s a short little number with a beautiful melody and lyrics that hit home for me and anyone that has had this joyful experience. I was happy to find the audio clip out there on the web.
Here’s The Thing of it is, Paris along with dialogue between Alex and Madam Tessier.
There’s another special scene between Alex and Laura on the Champs-Elysees at sunset enjoying the Eiffel Tower. It’s a beautiful scene that always moves me. What they say summarizes the whole movie so well. Life too.
This is “Will You Still Love me Tomorrow” in French.
I can’t find any video but I own a VHS copy of the movie. I hate the DVD because they totally destroyed the movie by replacing the original music which was so special to me. For example, the french version of “Do you believe in Magic” that plays at the start of the movie is gone on DVD! So is Linda Ronstad’s “Just One Look”, The Kink’s Superman, Nicolette Larson’s magical “Lotta Love” near the end and others! They also cut many scenes for no reason!
Here’s the opening song, “Do You Believe in Magic” in french.
Anyway, if you can catch the original version then please do. The new DVD edition isn’t worth it. I am so happy that I recorded it on videotape one day from a TV broadcast. I converted to DVD and digital file format so I can watch the original version whenever I want. It’s a beautiful movie.
***UPDATE 9/30/2017!!!!
Great news! Every now and then I go online and check for French Postcards with the faint hope of finding the original version but for years I come up empty but not today!
I found a new DVD/Blu-Ray edition of the original release with the original soundtrack and scenes!!! I ordered both the DVD and Blu-Ray releases because I love the movie that much!!!!
It arrives in a few days so I can’t wait to see it! I’ve worn out my VHS recorded version which looks like something from another century well because it is!
Here’s the cover of the version you want to buy
