Henri Mahé

Vénus aveugle (Blind Venus) is a 1941 French film melodrama, directed by Abel Gance, and one of the first films to be undertaken in France during the German occupation. Although the film is not set in any specified period, Gance wanted it to be seen as relevant to the contemporary situation in France. He wrote, "...La Vénus aveugle is at the crossroads of reality and legend... The heroine ... gradually sinks deeper and deeper into despair. Only when she has reached the bottom of the abyss does she encounter the smile of Providence that life reserves for those who have faith in it, and she can then go serenely back up the slope towards happiness. If I have been able to show in this film that elevated feelings are the only force that can triumph over Fate, then my efforts will not have been in vain."

Louise, a young seamstress, has fallen in love with Julien, her neighbor, a composer who leads a bohemian lifestyle with his friends, who are artists like him. Her overprotective working-class parents are, unfortunately, opposed to her marrying the man she loves. Louise then decides to run away with Julien. One day, she runs into her father, who is now very ill...

Blondine, the daughter of a poor fisherman, marries the Prince of the Mountain. Brune, her sister, envies Blondine her happiness and tells her that a secret lies hidden in her husband's name. Blondine tries to discover it but, before she does, the Prince is imprisoned by an ogre. Blondine must face goblins, imps, and the water djinni before she can deliver her captive Prince.