I just noticed today that it's listed as OOP on the Criterion.com website

I expected a handsome, atmospheric period piece, which we get in this film, but there's so much more - Casque d'or has guts! A nicely realized production that affected me more deeply than anticipated. Simone Signoret is magnificent, the way she carries herself, her saucy grin communicates so much, especially considering the hapless situation her character was in. She and Serge Reggiani created a couple to care about.

This is an interesting film to watch about the culture that develops around championship level athletes. Even though Chappellet is still making his name in the skiing game and hasn't really made any money at it, the main components are already in place for the creation of a monster. Of course, the film is set back in the 60s, well before the sports industry became as prosperous and central to our culture as it is today. The lead character is an arrogant jerk but that's overlooked as long as he has a chance at winning. I couldn't help but think about the Tiger Woods situation as I watched this film, even though there are huge differences in his circumstances and what's portrayed on screen here.

Mildly interesting the first time around, but a second viewing drew me further into the Crock's dilemma: dealing with a lifetime of emotional repression and a marriage that won't let him breathe. We're watching a man crack under pressure after years of maintaining a facade. I'll let you decide if there's an analogy to Tiger Woods here or not...

The essence of Franciscan spirituality that Rossellini sought to convey was how it blended a deep and heartfelt humility with self-effacing silliness. To read my full write-up on The Flowers of St. Francis: http://criterionreflections.blogspot.com/2009/12/flowers-of-st-francis-1950-293.html

I posted my comments about this film on my blog: http://criterionreflections.blogspot.com/2009/01/blood-of-poet-67.html

I've posted on my blog about this film: http://criterionreflections.blogspot.com/2009/01/borderline-1930-371.html

I blogged about this movie here: http://criterionreflections.blogspot.com/2009/01/body-and-soul-371.html

I blogged about this film here: http://criterionreflections.blogspot.com/2009/01/film-like-carl-th.html

I blogged about this movie here: http://criterionreflections.blogspot.com/2009/01/pandoras-box-358.html