At the same time, viewing this trailer was Mrs. Merritt Leslie, who was in France.
She was a freelance writer and film critic, originally making a name for herself with theater reviews before moving into the realms of cinema, television, stage plays, and opera. As per French tradition, where women are often regarded as stronger than men, she was also a member of the jury for the Palme d'Or.
Mrs. Merritt was known for her harsh critiques and biting insight. She once publicly dissed an actress attempting to transition from film to Broadway, resulting in the actress being attacked by the media and audiences and leading to her eventual withdrawal from the entertainment industry.
As a result, some called her "The Queen of Cannes," meaning that once she spoke up, it was essentially decided whether a film would win at the Palme d'Or or not.
Mrs. Merritt, as a drama critic, naturally found herself at the top of the disdain hierarchy.
