I have long heard and read about the movie and only see it year 2009. In 1980 I could have seen this at the Inwood theater in Dallas but forget why I did not go. A french movie about the Nazi invasion of France and containment of the Jews. Lucas Steiner a Jew signs the famous french Montemare theater over to his wife and hides in the basement for 893 days as they continue to produce a play above. He directs by listening thru the ventilation system. You can read about the plot in some other reviews. The movie is immensely satisfying and entertaining. At times it a play with in a play as the drama happens on the theater stage in real time with the actions of those dealing with the Nazis and ordinary life and living during an invasion. The movie questions the purpose of artistic activity during wartime. Beautiful and moving it is a great look at the horrible era of french history. The only other Truffaunt films I recall seeing were Jules and Jim and the 400 Blows. I will watch his Day for Night This weekend. One minor criticism the film ends rather abruptly and the last 10 minutes of the DVD transfer were very poor. I guess the last reel was damaged or they could not find good copy?? This movie (an anti war melodrama) is a loving tribute to French theater. highest recommendation. One of the 100 best films of the 20th century.