Beauty and the Beast (1946)

In an era of opulence now faded, the once-wealthy siblings Adélaïde, Belle, Félicie, and Ludovic grapple with their family's descent into near ruin. Adélaïde and Félicie, still entranced by the illusion of grandeur, squander what remains of the family fortune on their appearances, while Belle, the dutiful and selfless sister, toils to keep the household running. Ludovic, the lone brother, despises his sisters' frivolity but harbors a protective affection for Belle, particularly against the advances of his roguish friend Avenant, who harbors a desire to marry Belle. One stormy evening, their father loses his way in an eerie forest, eventually finding shelter in an enchanting yet foreboding castle. As he departs, he plucks a single rose from a bush, a simple gift requested by Belle. This act of thievery incites the wrath of the castle's inhabitant, a grotesque Beast, who decrees a harsh ultimatum: the father's life or that of one of his daughters must be offered in return for the stolen rose. Belle, feeling responsible for her father's peril, willingly offers herself to the Beast, her sacrifice steeped in an innate sense of duty. On her arrival at the castle, she discovers the Beast's intentions are not murderous, but matrimonial. His gruesome exterior hides a soul both kind and tormented, and he wishes to marry Belle, pledging to shower her with riches. Every night, he appears to her, proposing marriage - a proposal she resolves to reject. As Belle grapples with her fate, she begins to see beyond the Beast's monstrous façade. Simultaneously, her family, aware of her predicament, devises plans of their own, some seeking Belle's welfare, others pursuing selfish desires. The Beast, displaying unexpected gentility, allows Belle to return home when her father falls ill. But when she returns to the castle later than agreed, she finds the Beast on the brink of death. As the plot thickens, will Belle's feelings towards the Beast evolve? The tale is a labyrinth of emotion, familial duty, and unexpected love, set against the backdrop of an enchanting yet sinister world.

Beauty and the Beast is a drama movie featuring Raoul Marco.

Beauty and the Beast is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Criterion Channel, Max and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Beauty and the Beast on Amazon Video and Apple TV.