La Permission

La Permission is a 1967 French-language novel written by Melvin Van Peebles.[1] Van Peebles adapted his book into the film The Story of a Three-Day Pass (1967).[2]

History

Melvin Van Peebles began directing short films in the 1950s. After struggling to establish himself in Hollywood, however, he relocated to Amsterdam to pursue a doctorate in astronomy at the University of Amsterdam and to study acting at the Dutch National Theater.[2] Following an invitation from the Cinémathèque française, which had gained access to his short films, Van Peebles moved to France.[3]

Upon his arrival Van Peebles discovered that French writers could join the directors' guild by adapting their own written works.[3][4] Having taught himself the language, he published several books, including La Permission. The novel tells the story of the bittersweet romance between a white Frenchwoman and an African-American soldier visiting Paris on furlough.[5] After winning a filmmaking subsidy, he adapted La Permission into The Story of a Three-Day Pass.[3] It was his first feature film.[5]

References

1. "MELVIN VAN PEEBLES". The History Makers. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
2. Martin, Douglas (2021-09-22). "Melvin Van Peebles, Champion of New Black Cinema, Dies at 89". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-07-16.
3. "Melvin Van Peebles - Visual History Interview". www.dga.org. Retrieved 2024-07-16.
4. "Melvin Van Peebles, godfather of Black cinema, dies at 89". PBS News. 2021-09-22. Retrieved 2024-07-16.
5. "The Story of a Three Day Pass (La Permission) with Nothing But a Man". Academy Museum of Motion Pictures - Timeline. Retrieved 2024-07-16.