Ensconced here in Marseille is the Passage des Tournesols. This passage may not resonate immediately like the Vieux Port. But let’s uncover some interesting facts.
The Passage des Tournesols shares its name with a film. It is a 1944 American war drama titled “Passage to Marseille”. Michael Curtiz directed it. The film was inspired by the 1942 novel “Men Without Country” by James Norman Hall and Charles Nordhoff.
The plot revolves around Jean Matrac. Captain Freycinet tells his story to a war correspondent. Matrac is a French journalist. He opposed the Munich agreements. He was sentenced to hard labor. Then he was deported to Devil’s Island. He escapes with four other prisoners. They are rescued by Captain Freycinet’s ship. The ship is sailing towards Marseille. On board, they learn France has sought an armistice. The Vichy Government is openly collaborationist.
Humphrey Bogart plays Jean Matrac. Claude Rains is Captain Freycinet. Michèle Morgan plays Paula Matrac. Peter Lorre appears as Marius. The film features other notable actors. These include Sydney Greenstreet and Helmut Dantine.
The film had its challenges. Humphrey Bogart almost lost his role. Jean Gabin was considered as a replacement. Michèle Morgan had a difficult experience. She clashed with director Michael Curtiz. She also felt the role was compensation. It was because she lost the part of Ilsa Lund in “Casablanca” to Ingrid Bergman.
The film shows French Air Force planes. Instead of using Halifax bombers, B-17 Flying Fortresses were used. This was to appeal to American audiences.
The film has been described as flawed. It clumsily tries to exalt the resistance of invaded Europeans. Its characters are unconvincing. The plot is absurd. Despite this, Peter Lorre is praised for his performance. Bogart and Morgan seem uninspired.
Passage des Tournesols is also the name of a Foyer de Vie. It is located at 205 Avenue de la Panouse. It is a residential facility for adults with disabilities. The UNAAPEI Alpes Provence manages it. The Foyer de Vie provides medical and social care. It is for adults with some autonomy. However, they cannot work in a professional setting.
The goal is to develop residents’ autonomy. Residents engage in various daily activities. These are adapted to their abilities. Activities include manual work like painting. Also physical activities such as gymnastics. The goal is to stimulate their capacities. Also to maintain autonomy.
Residents bear the cost of accommodation. A ceiling ensures they retain minimum financial resources. The department’s social assistance covers surplus costs. This ensures quality care for residents.
Admission requires orientation from the CDAPH. This is part of the MDPH. The Foyer de Vie offers accommodation and daily support. Also medical and psychological support. Leisure, social, and educational activities are provided.
So, the Passage des Tournesols evokes both cinema and care. It is a place where stories intersect with real lives.