Princess of Cleves [La princesse de Cleves] (Archive of 14 original photographs and ephemera from the 1961 film)

Paris: Cinedis, 1961. Archive of 14 original single weight black-and-white photographs, and various ephemera, from the 1961 film, here under the original French title. The photographs, numbered on the versos in manuscript pencil, detail costumes for starring actors Marina Vlady and Jean Marais, an exhibit of film stills and costume designs at a bookshop called "Lavocat," costumes displayed at tge shop "Delvaux," and the ephemera consists of a press packet detailing film credits and biographies, an invitation for two to the premiere on March 26 at the Marivaux cinema, a small slip with annotations in manuscript ink, and a carbon typescript from Maryse Martres to "Madame Armon" at Delvaux regarding the costumes. Housed in a large manila folder.

Based de La Fayette's 1678 anonymously published novel, France's first historical novel, widely regarded as an early psychological novel. The Princess marries a much older prince (Marais), but yearns for a handsome duke (Poron). Her fidelity eventually coming into question. Marais also starred in Delannoy's and Cocteau's other collaboration, "Love Eternal" (1943). Delannoy directed over 50 films, at first well-regarded, dissipating at the end of his career with several B-grade films. Costuming for the film was produced by Pierre Cardin and Marcel Escoffier, both also worked together on "Beauty and the Beast" (1946) and "Fernandel the Dressmaker" (1956).

Martres (Martin) was a prolific French actress since 1948, notably "Girl on the Third Floor" (1955) and "The Happy Road" (1957), and she was later involved in press relations at Cinedis, a notable film agency in operation since the Silent Film era. Kishi was born in 1932 and became a Japanese actress and writer. She married director Ciampi in 1957. Since 1996 she has been a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The Delvaux shop has been producing leather goods, mostly handbags, since the 19th century, with central locations in Belgium.

Photos range from 6.75 x 9 inches to 7.25 x 10.5 inches. Ephemera ranges from 3.5 x 4.75 inches to 8 x 10.5 inches. Very Good plus overall, with scattered creases and toning.