Madame Sans-Gêne (1945 film)

Madame Sans-Gêne is a 1945 French historical comedy film directed by Roger Richebé. It is based on the play of the same name by Victorien Sardou and Émile Moreau.

The film stars Renée Saint-Cyr as Catherine Hubscher, a laundry woman known as "Madame Sans-Gêne" (meaning "Madame Without Embarrassment" or "Madame No-Worries") who eventually marries Marshal Lefebvre, a close companion of Napoleon Bonaparte. The story follows Catherine's rise through society during the Napoleonic era and her often-awkward interactions with the aristocracy, due to her unrefined manners and straightforward personality.

The plot focuses on her loyalty to her friends and Napoleon, despite the disapproval of the court. Madame Sans-Gêne's unpretentious nature and strong moral compass ultimately endear her to those around her, even as she clashes with the rigid social customs of the time. The film explores themes of class differences, social mobility, and the impact of the Napoleonic era on French society. It is one of several film adaptations of the popular play.