"Le Courbeau" was Henri-Georges Clouzot's masterpiece. He paid dearly for having been instrumental in bringing it to the screen. At the time it went into production, an occupied France was not the best place to be. Because Clouzot's picture was made through German owned Continental Films, with its distribution rights, proved to cause the opposite effect than what the director wanted. He paid a high price for daring to present his tale about a page of shame in French History. Not only did the left despised this work, but Clouzot was also criticized by the Vichy government of the ultra right.
The story takes place in a provincial town where poison pen letters begin appearing all over the place. They are being sent to everyone. The main target of the intrigue points out to one of the doctors in town who is accused of performing illegal abortions as well as carrying on illicit affairs with some of the town's respectable women. The letters destroy lives and reputations without any consideration to the ruined lives along the way.
Not having seen this film in years, we must congratulate the Criterion DVD people for the glorious transfer they have done. Nicolas Hayer's crisp black and white cinematography is a joy to watch again. Tony Aubin's music score plays well in the background, complimenting Clouzot's vision.
The film is also a joy to watch because of the fabulous performances from this talented cast. Pierre Fresnay makes a wonderful Dr. Remy Germain, the man at the center of the story. Ginette Leclerc, one of the best actresses of the period and Micheline Francey, who plays Laura, make a valuable contribution. Helena Manson seen as Marie Corbin, the hated nurse, does a fine job as well.
We recommend any viewer to watch the Criterion DVD to admire Henri-Georges Clouzot masterpiece that speaks volumes about human beings at a trying time of their lives.
The story takes place in a provincial town where poison pen letters begin appearing all over the place. They are being sent to everyone. The main target of the intrigue points out to one of the doctors in town who is accused of performing illegal abortions as well as carrying on illicit affairs with some of the town's respectable women. The letters destroy lives and reputations without any consideration to the ruined lives along the way.
Not having seen this film in years, we must congratulate the Criterion DVD people for the glorious transfer they have done. Nicolas Hayer's crisp black and white cinematography is a joy to watch again. Tony Aubin's music score plays well in the background, complimenting Clouzot's vision.
The film is also a joy to watch because of the fabulous performances from this talented cast. Pierre Fresnay makes a wonderful Dr. Remy Germain, the man at the center of the story. Ginette Leclerc, one of the best actresses of the period and Micheline Francey, who plays Laura, make a valuable contribution. Helena Manson seen as Marie Corbin, the hated nurse, does a fine job as well.
We recommend any viewer to watch the Criterion DVD to admire Henri-Georges Clouzot masterpiece that speaks volumes about human beings at a trying time of their lives.