I fell in love with Marlon Brando's and Jean Simmons's chemistry in Guys and Dolls, but I didn't know until recently that they'd made another film together prior to their musical pairing. In Desiree, Brando plays Napoleon Bonaparte, and once again, he's paired up with Jean Simmons, the title character. Yes, we all know Bonaparte married a woman named Josephine, not Desiree, so what's the story about? Daniel Taradash wrote a very interesting script, with exciting, passionate characters. The film lasts decades, starting from Bonaparte's introduction to Desiree, before he changed his name, through the memorable Battle of Waterloo. As famous a figure as he was, the film actually focuses on Desiree, the woman torn between Bonaparte and Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte. She's vivacious, loving, strong, and smart. It's easy to see how the two very powerful men fell in love with her.The Oscar nominated costumes, designed by Charles Le Maire and Rene Hubert, are exquisitely beautiful, and Alex North's theme is very nice. But with all the lovely elements in this film, the best is the sparkling chemistry between Brando and Simmons. There's a magnet between the two; it's incredible. If only they made more movies together, or better yet, enjoyed a long, loving Hollywood marriage! Alas, Jean was married at the time, and I never read anything about an affair between them.

I watched this movie for the first time as a girl of 12 yrs. I loved it then and I love it now. I love the spunk of the character, Desiree Clary, so innocent, youthful, and fearless. The costumes were gorgeous. The story line has been described as sappy by some, but it provided a human, romantic overview of the era and of Napoleon, I enjoyed the movie and the actors and that's all that matters. Marlon Brando and Michael Rennie just added to the enjoyment. I vowed at the time that I first saw the movie, should I have a daughter I'd name her Desiree and I was blessed with a beautiful dark haired baby girl and her name is "Desiree". She just turned 22.

I love Brando. As to Napoleon, we have a major library here with walls and walls of Napoleon books -- I have never seen so many about one person. Napoleon was just the hottest -- and so is Marlon Brando. This movie should be named "Napoleon", and would be memorable to more people.I have also studied method acting, though certainly a more watered down version than Brando's. But in both our versions, we are told by the director to go for the throat of the emotions -- to hold nothing back -- and that the lines are secondary to the raw feelings. Brando is a master of raw feelings -- the fact that he held back in this movie only goes to show that the character of Napoleon was shrewd and collected when needed. After all, Napoleon invaded several countries in his plan of expansion (I know that Napoleon's plans have other names, but I will not find fault here).I have recently studied different European history classes at Ohio State University. I had previously not known that besides France, Napoleon "visited" Spain and Germany, much less his harrowing winter problem in Russia about which I had heard vaguely. That boy really got around. Yep, in OSU History of Russia, Germany and Spain (3 different courses), Napoleon has figured prominently in each of those countries.Well, in my opinion, Marlon Brando should come back and make more Napoleon movies, such as a huge series exploring different parts of Napoleon's life. Marlon is a master talent who still teaches us after all these years. I would take an acting class from him any time. I have read the book, "Brando", and it is a fabulous study of his life. He is a kind, caring human being."Hey, Stella !!!!!!!!!!!"................. :) to MarlonP.S. Update: Around July 1, 2004 (or so), Marlon Brando passed away. Gone is the innovator who stopped everyone in their tracks, and he still continues to do so. Just watch any one of his movies. Marlon, they didn't understand you, but you were profound.

My first introduction to this stroy was when my best friend gave me a copy of a very battered "Desiree" by Annemarie Selinko. When I found this movie, I was skeptical. I love the book, and most often, when books are made into movies, they are ruined. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the movie fit in so well with the book, and in fact used some of the same dialogue.I felt that all of the actors did a remarkable job. Desiree was almost exactly the way that I had pictured her. Jean-Baptiste was also very like the image I had previously formed. Napoleon was amazing. He was so like the real Napoleon, I didn't have any trouble beliving that it really was him. Even though there were some things left out, like the end of the book and therefore the end of the story, I enjoyed it very much. I would not object to seeing this movie more, and it made my love for the book increase a great deal.If you loved the movie, and even if you didn't, I would suggest getting a copy of the book. The romance between Desiree and Napoleon is much more pronounced as well as Desiree's love for Jean-Baptiste. The story-line is the same, but the end gives you the much needed satisfaction of seeing Desiree back in Sweden.In my opinion, this is a first-rate movie, and I reccommend it to all.