Following a three-year suspension from filmmaking after his Le Corbeau (1943) was judged too critical of his native France, director Henri-Georges Clouzot returned with this thriller that's equal parts crime drama and character study. Suzy Delair stars as Jenny Lamour, an ambitious music hall singer who wants to be a star and is willing to befriend the lecherous old men who ogle her act, inspiring the jealousy of Jenny's husband Maurice Martineau (Bernard Blier). One particular fan of Jenny's is
a wealthy financial backer who extends repeated invitations to the entertainer to join him at fine restaurants and his expansive mansion. Armed with a gun, Maurice goes to the estate to confront his rival one night but discovers that the master of the house is already dead, his wife having smashed a bottle of champagne over his head to stave off a sexual advance. Soon, a gruff but dedicated detective, Inspector Antoine (Louis Jouvet) is on the case, with Maurice taking the heat for Jenny. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi
Direction by Henri-Georges Clouzot takes full advantage of every possible opportunity to bring out character and manages to keep the tempo at a fast clip all the time.
Very typical of Clouzot's films, he utilizes sound and score to enhance tension and his penchant for mystery uses the whodunit to good effect, always shifting his subjects from innocence to guilt and back.
A beautifully-made and beautifully-written film about people stuck in a place that won't let them lead anything but a crummy, second-rate life. Classical French cinema at its very best.
Another predictably terrific-looking transfer from the folks at Criterion, with the black and white imagery about as beautiful as you could expect on a 50 year old film.
one of the most remarkable screenplays of any film ive seen. the details of the story are complex, but simply told and without missteps. clouzot deserves far more respect than he receives in the U.S., and this film simply adds to his legacy of astoundingly good suspense and horror films. blier was fantastic, and
even the supporting players in smaller roles such as larquey as the cab driver deliver very solid performances. the ending is the best part, as it was unexpected even for clouzot, a director who is great with unexpected endings. great film.
March 6, 2011
danny d
Super Reviewer
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