THE DIVINE VOYAGE (1929) Henry Krauss& Thomy Bourdelle |Drama | B&W | Cinema Gem

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The Divine Voyage (French: La divine croisière) is a 1929 French silent film directed by Julien Duvivier and starring Jean Murat, Thomy Bourdelle and Suzanne Christy.

Synopsis

The plot of The Divine Voyage centers around a man’s metaphysical and transcendent journey to enlightenment. The protagonist embarks on a literal and symbolic voyage, exploring various realms of existence. This journey is not just physical but deeply spiritual, as he confronts questions of life, death, and the universe. Along the way, he encounters visions and figures that embody moral, existential, and cosmic truths. The film explores themes of self-discovery, the search for higher meaning, and the intersection of the material and the divine.

The movie’s visual style is heavily influenced by Expressionism, with stylized sets and dramatic lighting that evoke a sense of otherworldliness and introspection. This film can be seen as a precursor to later cinematic explorations of spiritual and metaphysical themes, drawing on religious and philosophical ideas from a range of traditions.

The fact that it was produced in the late 1920s—just as the silent film era was giving way to talkies—also places it in a unique historical context. The film’s reliance on visuals rather than dialogue underscores its metaphysical focus, allowing for a universal message beyond the need for verbal communication.

Though not widely known today, The Divine Voyage was part of the wave of spiritually inspired films that made use of the silent era’s emphasis on visual storytel.

Cast & Crew

Jean Murat as Jacques de Saint-Ermont
Thomy Bourdelle as Mareuil
Suzanne Christy as Simone Ferjac
Charlotte Barbier-Krauss as Mme. de Saint-Ermont
Line Noro as Jeanne de Guiven
Louis Kerly as Le curé
Angèle Decori as Angélique
Henry Krauss as Claude Ferjac
Henri Valbel as Kerjean
Georges Paulais as Le matelot Brélez
François Viguier as Le Guénec
Pierre Mindaist
Alfred Argus

Directed by: Julien Duvivier
Written by: Julien Duvivier

Cinematography:
André Dantan
Armand Thirard

Production Companies:
Films Petit
Le Film d'Art

Release Date: 14 June 1929
Country: France
Languages: Silent (French intertitles)