From the opening shot of Daniele Delorme as Catherine walking across Les Halles this film takes hold and never loosens its grip. Superbly structured and beautifully paced it builds to a terrifying although somewhat melodramatic finale.
This has to be one of Jean Gabin's greatest roles as he does not so much act the part of Andre as inhabit it. The change in this easy-going, good-natured man as he realises that he has been duped and deceived is highly effective.
One usually cringes at the titles given to European films for the American market but here Kipling's words 'Deadlier than the Male' are decidedly apt. Lucienne Bogaert, Germaine Kerjean and Gabrielle Fontan play their monstrous characters with relish whilst Daniele Delorme as the 'femme fatale' is stupendous in what would seem, on paper, an extremely difficult role. Her portrayal reminds one of Shakespeare's phrase 'There is no art to find the mind's construction in the face'.
The diverse characters in and around the restaurant are wonderfully drawn.
Shot by the legendary Armand Thirard and edited by one of director Duvivier's regular collaborators Marthe Poncin, this is film noir of the highest quality.
Even the best directors alas have only so many great films in them and although we have good ones like 'Henriette' and 'Marie-Octobre' from Julien Duvivier still to come, the film under review is sadly the last of his very best.
Disappointing to see that Cesar the canine chum who plays such a vital role in this film, is uncredited. Oh well, that's showbusiness!
Review of Deadlier Than the Male
