Rene Clement's "Plein soleil" offers a young Alain Delon as Tom Ripley, a character known to more recent audiences as the hero of the Anthony Mingella 1999 "The Talented Mr. Ripley." It is nice to note that both films hold their own well, with the Mingella providing more character and background information than the Clement version.

Delon, who was to become a favorite actor of Visconti and other fine French and Italian directors, renders a skillful performance, along with Maurice Ronet as Phillipe Greenleaf (known as "Dickie" in the later Mingella opus).

Clement keeps the camera focused on the handsome M. Delon (as did Visconti) with stark closeups to show detailed emotional reactions. Delon manages to rise to the challenge in subtle ways, and to project a fully realized character. While Clement fails to provide much background as to why this character acts the way he does, Delon's photogenic countenance somewhat overcomes this void by masking it with personality and charm.

We can be thankful to Martin Scorcese for the fine reprint of this memorable French thriller, known in the UK and USA as "Purple Noon."

Alain Delon stars as Tom Ripley in "Purple Noon," an adaptation of the Patricia Highsmith novel "The Talented Mr. Ripley." There is another filming of the same book in 1999 starring Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow, which I didn't care for.

Patricia Highsmith was happy with all of this film except for the ending, which differs from her book, the first of a series. She really liked Delon as Ripley, and it's clear why. He does an excellent job as the suave, charming Tom who hides all of his amorality beneath the veil of a chiseled face and beautiful smile. Delon is one of the great matinée idols, really at the height of his fabulous looks here.

Unlike the Minghella version, which I found preposterous, this story makes more sense and becomes absolutely riveting once Ripley gets rid of his rival Philippe Greenleaf (Maurice Ronet) and steals his identity. Rene Clement is a wonderful director, and the scene in the restaurant where Tom makes sure he is overheard talking to Marge (Marie Laforet) is especially good. The camera work is excellent throughout and a little unusual.

I, too, did not care for the ending, which was not Highsmith's.

One thing i've never bought about this story is the fact that Ripley hung around the same area as Marge and Philippe's friends after becoming him. That to me was a big problem in the Minghella film, which was made worse by some dumb scenes. Though I still don't understand it, it was easier to take in this film.

Like the Minghella version, Purple Noon is glorious to look at, with a more European flavor than The Talented Mr. Ripley. Highly recommended.

When I got this film, I had no idea that it was later remade as the Mr. Ripley films in the US. Now I have not yet seen any of them--but after seeing "Purple Noon" I am much more inclined to seek them out in the near future. This is because the film is so intelligently written--darn clever and quite original.

Tom Ripley appears to be a mouse of a man. He's been sent to retrieve an American playboy back to the States, but with no luck. So instead, he hangs with this spoiled rich guy as he wanders through Europe having a good time. During these travels, the rich guy keeps treating Ripley like dirt--and enjoys seeing just how far he can push him. As for Ripley (Alan Delon),you are hoping that he does SOMETHING to stand up for himself. Unfortunately, this means killing the rich guy and assuming his identity! Now you think that this plan is really flawed--after all, how long can he pretend to be this rich guy and spend his money. BUT, this is NOT Ripley's plan--it's much more complicated and intelligent than that. Tune in to see the plan unfold.

What I liked about this scenario is that HOW and WHAT Ripley did really worked well. It's NOT the half-baked plan it seems to be and was fascinating throughout. In addition, Delon, who is a fine actor, is really good in this role. Well worth seeing and one of the better films I've seen in recent weeks--and I watch A LOT of films!