Paul and Michelle

Paul and Michelle

Year: 1974

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: Lewis Gilbert

RomanceDrama

Their extraordinary romance inspired two films: Friends (1971) and now Paul and Michelle. Set about three years after Friends, the story follows Paul Harrison and Michelle Latour‑Harrison as they rebuild their family. Paul juggles work, college and household duties while Michelle confronts a new romantic interest.

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Timeline & Setting – Paul and Michelle (1974)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Paul and Michelle (1974). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Nice, Paris, Camargue, Arles

Locations span the French Riviera and Provence. The story centers in Nice and a cottage in the Camargue, with academic scenes at the Sorbonne in Paris and visits to Arles. The settings emphasize a contrast between urban ambition and rural tranquility.

🇫🇷 France 🌊 Camargue 🏙️ Paris 🏖️ Nice

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:40

Main Characters – Paul and Michelle (1974)

Meet the key characters of Paul and Michelle (1974), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Paul Harrison (Sean Bury)

An ambitious, dutiful young man who just finished prep school and aims to study at the Sorbonne. He returns to France to reunite with Michelle, pursue his education, and support their growing family, all while navigating parental expectations and financial strain.

🎓 Student ❤️ Love 💼 Responsibility

Michelle Latour (Anicée Alvina)

Independent and loyal, Michelle Reconnects with Paul while balancing motherhood with her own aspirations. She faces pregnancy, a difficult abortion, and the challenge of providing for Sylvie, all while deciding how to rebuild her life with Paul.

💪 Resilience ❤️ Love 👩‍👧 Motherhood

Garry

An older American airline pilot who wants Michelle and represents an alternative life path. His presence introduces jealousy and tension, especially as he contemplates a move to New York and the possibility of a separate future.

✈️ Adventure 💔 Jealousy

Sir Henry

Paul's stern, traditional father who wields financial control and exerts pressure on Paul’s choices. His decision to cut off Paul’s allowance creates practical obstacles for the couple.

💼 Authority 👨‍👧 Family duty

Joanna

Paul's stepmother who withholds letters from Paul, highlighting underlying family tensions and complicating the lovers' separation.

🕊️ Detachment 👨‍👩‍👧 Family dynamics

Sylvie

The three-year-old daughter of Paul and Michelle; her safety and presence anchor much of the couple’s decisions and movements throughout the story.

👶 Child 💖 Family

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:40

Major Themes – Paul and Michelle (1974)

Explore the central themes of Paul and Michelle (1974), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Love & Loyalty

Paul and Michelle's relationship endures across distance and hardship, highlighting how devotion can persist even as life pulls people in different directions. The narrative threads their shared history with the responsibilities of parenthood and career. Their commitment is tested by financial strain and difficult choices, yet love remains a central force.

🧭 Freedom vs. Duty

Paul pursues education and independence at the Sorbonne, while his father and family expectations pull him toward traditional duties. Michelle must balance personal autonomy with the responsibilities of motherhood. The contrast between pursuing a dream and meeting obligations creates ongoing tension between the characters.

💸 Financial Strain

The revelation of Paul living with Michelle leads to a cut in his allowance, forcing both to work and confront practical hardships. Economic pressure shapes decisions about housing, childcare, and future plans. The couple must navigate money constraints while maintaining their relationship.

🫀 Pregnancy & Choices

Michelle's pregnancy and the subsequent decision to obtain an abortion are portrayed as complex moral choices influenced by circumstance and resource limits. The events test loyalty, resilience, and personal ethics. These moments underline how reproductive decisions intersect with love, finance, and ambition.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:40

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Don't stop at just watching — explore Paul and Michelle in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Paul and Michelle is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Paul and Michelle Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Paul and Michelle, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Paul and Michelle Summary

Paul and Michelle Timeline

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Paul and Michelle Timeline

More About Paul and Michelle

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