A Bag of Marbles: From Novel to Film
A bag of marbles is an autobiographical novel written by Joseph Joffo and published in 1973. It tells the story of two young Jewish brothers, Joseph and Maurice, during World War II in France. Published in 1973, the book stands out for its light tone and childish look. about the horror of the Nazi occupation. The story follows the two brothers as they attempt to escape the Nazis by traveling alone from occupied Paris to the Free Zone, hoping to reunite with their parents.
The success of the book led to several film adaptations, the first of which, released in 1975, was directed by Jacques Doillon. However, it is the 2017 version, directed by Christian Duguay, that has left its mark in recent times.
The film stars Dorian Le Clech and Batyste Fleurial in the lead roles of brothers Joseph and Maurice, and their touching journey find their parents, foiling the traps of the Nazis in occupied France. Around them we find great names of French cinema, including Patrick Bruel, Elsa Zylberstein and Christian Clavier.
What happened to Giuseppe and Maurizio Joffo?
After the war, Joseph and Maurice Joffo returned to a relatively normal life, albeit one forever marked by their experiences during the Nazi occupation. Joseph Joffo, born in 1931, established himself as a hairdresser in his father’s salon in Paris, before turning to writing. His book A bag of marblespublished in 1973, it became a best seller, translated into several languages and widely studied in schools. Joseph became a respected writer and screenwriter, continuing his career with several other works, some of which continue to explore themes of war and the Holocaust. He died in 2018 at the age of 87.
As for Maurice, he survived his brother Joseph by three years, as he died on August 12, 2021 in Cannes at the age of 93. A former hairdresser to the stars (with his brother they owned 12 salons in Paris), director of hair salons, collector of stones and jewels, as well as restaurateur, Maurice led a varied and rich life. Just like his brother, he played a crucial role in memory of the Holocaustregularly testifying to their history in conferences and initiatives against racism and anti-Semitism.
In 1985 he was arrested for receiving stolen jewelry in Paris, an incident that inspired his book For a few more marbles? published in 1990. Regarding this arrest, his brother Joseph testified on his behalf, saying that he had gotten into the habit of keeping everything because of their past, and that it “made him feel safe.” He was sentenced to 5 years in prison and seven million francs in damages.
Roman Joffo, the father, was deported to the Auschwitz extermination camp, where he died in 1943. All the children of the family became hairdressers.
Source: Cine Serie
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