La Permission
1967 novel by Melvin Van Peebles
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
