Naked Autumn

Naked Autumn (French: Les Mauvais Coups; French pronunciation: [le movɛ ku]) is a 1961 French psychological drama co-written and directed by François Leterrier, in his direction debut. It is based on Roger Vailland's novel of the same name. Starring Simone Signoret and Reginald Kernan, the film follows the tragic demise of a 10-year marriage.^[1]

Milan and Roberte have been married for ten years. Since Milan has retired from car racing following the death of his best friend, their relationship has started to deteriorate badly. Roberte drowns her sorrows in alcohol, while Milan spends his days hunting in the countryside. The arrival of an attractive young schoolteacher in the village is going to shatter what remains of their fragile marriage.

• Simone Signoret as Roberte
• Reginald Kernan as Milan
• Alexandra Stewart as Hélène
• Marcello Pagliero as Luigi
• Serge Rousseau as Duval
• Nicole Chollet
• José Luis de Vilallonga as Prévieux
• Dorian Leigh Parker
• Marie-Claude Poirier
• Marcelle Ranson-Hervé
• Antoine Roblot
• Serge Sauvion as the veterinarian

Though by no means a nouvelle vague style work, the opening credits over a dismal landscape with ominous music have a Chabrolesque touch. It was the first film directed by Leterrier, best known for his leading role in A Man Escaped, the 1956 movie by Robert Bresson.

In 2025, a 4K restored print was screened in the Cinéma de la Plage section of the 78th Cannes Film Festival, anticipating the film's 60 years anniversary.^[1][2]

• Naked Autumn at IMDb