Douce sensitively portrays the passion of a rich young girl (Odette Joyeux) for the manager of her family estate. Her dreamy romanticism is overpowered by a jealous governess (Madeleine Robinson) and a willful, aristocratic grandmother (Marguerite Moréno). Bertrand Tavernier wrote, “Douce's strength and richness, its virulent social criticism-interspersed with moments of tenderness-and its romantic creativity were, and still are, amazing. The intelligent narrative-both sharp and lively, denouncing stupidity as well as injustice, and trusting the audience-is supplemented by the sheer grace and innocence of the story. . . . This film, often noted only for its gloominess, appeals . . . because of its sympathy for the secret feelings of its characters, its outbursts of simmering revolt, Douce's longing for happiness.”