Promise at Dawn (French: La Promesse de l'aube) is a 1970 American drama film directed by Jules Dassin and starring Melina Mercouri, Dassin's wife.

It is based on the 1960 novel Promise at Dawn (French: La Promesse de l'aube) by Romain Gary and the subsequent play by Samuel A. Taylor.

The film follows author Romain Gary as he recalls his growing up with his Lithuanian-born mother.

As twenty years pass, they encounter social change, age, different convictions, poverty and the slow approach of World War II.

[1] Dassin broke both his legs after falling over in October 1969 after three days of filming in Nice.