Before the Deluge
1954, French. Directed by André Cayatte.
The title of this French "reality" drama, which translates to Before the Deluge, is a play on Louis XVI's famous prognostication, "Apres moi, le deluge." Set in 1950, the film concentrates on five Parisian adolescents. Certain that the next war will herald the apocalypse, the youngster make plans to run off to a desert island and set up a new society. This, however, will require money, which is why the boys decide to pull off a "necessary" robbery. Idealism collapses in the face of cold reality, as the five youths suffer from the consequences of their actions. Avant le Deluge was one of a group of films cowritten by director Andre Cayatte and Charles Spaak which endeavored to explore the touchy social issues of the day: others in the Cayatte-Spaak canon include the euthanasia-themed Justice est Faite and the capital-punishment tract Nous sommes tous des assassins.
- Runtime
- 2h 18m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- French
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch Before the Deluge
Before the Deluge isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 26 February 1954.
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Cast & crew
- André CayatteDirector
- Antoine BalpêtréAlbert Dutoit
- Paul BiscigliaJean-Jacques Noblet
- Bernard BlierMarcel Noblet
- Marina VladyLiliane Noblet
- Jacques ChabassolJean Arnaud
- Clément ThierryPhilippe Boussard
- Jacques FayetRichard Dutoit
- Roger CoggioDaniel Epstein
- Jacques CastelotSerge de Montesson
- Léonce CorneLe commissaire Auvain
- Paul FrankeurMonsieur Boussard
- Isa MirandaFrançoise Boussard
Details
- Released
- 26 February 1954
- Original title
- Avant le déluge
- Country
- France, Italy
- Written by
- Charles Spaak, André Cayatte
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News & fan talk
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Before the Deluge: quick answers
Is Before the Deluge worth watching?
Before the Deluge doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Before the Deluge?
Before the Deluge runs 138 minutes (2h 18m).
Does Before the Deluge have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Before the Deluge. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Before the Deluge parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Before the Deluge yet.
Which OTT platform is Before the Deluge on?
Before the Deluge isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 26 February 1954. (Checked 11 November 2026.)
What movies are like Before the Deluge?
If you liked Before the Deluge, try Adieu Philippine, La Belle Équipe, Red Soil.
Who directed Before the Deluge?
Before the Deluge (1954) was directed by André Cayatte and stars Antoine Balpêtré, Paul Bisciglia, Bernard Blier.