La maison des bois (Episodes 1, 2 and 3)

The House in the Woods

Maurice Pialat’s cinematic series, charting life in a small country village during the First World War, can finally be seen, fully restored, on the big screen.

  • Director

    Maurice Pialat

  • With

    Pierre Doris, Jacqueline Dufranne, Agathe Natanson, Maurice Pialat

  • France-Italy 1971. Total running time 149min

  • Digital 4K (restoration)

  • English subtitles

  • A Janus release

This restoration finally allows modern audiences to see Maurice Pialat’s landmark series, which he regarded as his finest work, in all its glory. Set during the tumult of the First World War, Pialat’s film focuses on the lives of three boys who were sent for safety to the countryside by their respective parents. Opening in 1917, the drama finds Hervé, Michel, and Albert having mostly forgotten their real parents, after spending years with Albert Picard, his wife and two children. As they grow up, they witness the impact of war and the subtle changes of life in the village. Working mostly with non-professional actors, Pialat’s film is striking for its naturalism, creating an immersive portrait of life in and around the country village. A key location in the drama is the school, with its stern yet understanding teacher played by the filmmaker. Unseen for years, La maison des bois should now sit alongside Ken Loach’s equally bold Days of Hope (1975) as one of the finest achievements of 1970s television.

Ian Haydn Smith, writer and curator

Episode 1 – 57min

Episode 2 – 51min

Episode 3 – 42min

This 4K restoration was completed in 2024 by the French National Audiovisual Institute (INA) from the 16mm negative image and 16mm magnetic tape.

Joint ticket available for the complete series (screening over three programmes, total running time 379min) £29, concessions £23 (Members pay £3 less). Book in person at the box office or by phone on 020 7928 3232.

See a screening of La maison des bois (Episodes 1, 2 and 3) with an introduction on 16 August.