A government official, Count Muffat, falls under the spell of Nana, a young actress. She becomes his mistress, living in the sumptuous apartment which he provides for her. Instead of elevating herself to Muffat’s level, however, Nana drags the poor man down to hers.

Jean Renoir’s second film is a splendid adaptation of Zola’s novel, starring his then-partner, Catherine Hessling, in the eccentric titular role. Influenced by Von Stroheim and German Expressionism, Nana is an ambitious and detailed silent drama, blending a somber mood with frequent visual comedy.