The postwar years were not the greatest for Jean Gabin but his renaissance eventually came courtesy of Jacques Becker. During those years, whatever the material or script Gabin was such a consummate professional that he never once turned in, as far as I am aware, a 'couldn't care less' performance. Here he is reunited with Michele Morgan with whom he had previously worked on three films. By all accounts they 'clicked' whilst making the iconic 'Quai des Brumes' and their obvious fondness for each other is evident here. He plays a dedicated doctor and she the 'neglected' wife who seeks solace in the arms of a painter, superbly played by Daniel Gélin. His character in most walks of life would be considered unhinged but being an artist he is of course just 'temperamental'. Whilst in his studio she notices on the wall a photograph of the poet Apollinaire and they proceed to recite together his beautiful 'Under the Mirabeau Bridge'.
This scene is wonderfully done and is probably the highlight of the film. In the final scene husband and wife part with the words 'See you soon' and she watches from the window as he takes their son to school. A reconciliation is imminent but things can things never again be quite the same. Delannoy's direction is immaculate and the three leads so effective that the fates of their characters concern us.
This scene is wonderfully done and is probably the highlight of the film. In the final scene husband and wife part with the words 'See you soon' and she watches from the window as he takes their son to school. A reconciliation is imminent but things can things never again be quite the same. Delannoy's direction is immaculate and the three leads so effective that the fates of their characters concern us.