(Madame Rosa)
(a.k.a. "A Life Ahead")
France (1977): Drama
Madame Rosa (Simone Signoret) is an aging former prostitute who, in her dotage, makes a living by caring for the children of other prostitutes in Paris' Arab community. Haunted by memories of her experiences in a Nazi concentration camp, Rosa is seized with the notion that the Gestapo is still after her. She begs one of her young charges, Momo (Samy Ben Youb), not to give away her "hiding place." The boy keeps his promise, even after Rosa dies. The police finally discover the desiccated corpse of Madame Rosa, with the boy faithfully by her side. Madame Rosa was based on Momo, a novel by one Emile Ajar (better known as Romaine Gary); it was adapted and directed by Moshé Mizrahi. (Lira Films/Atlantic) (Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide)
1 nomination, 1 Award
· Foreign Language Film Award 1977: (France) (Jean Bolvary, producer)