In my opinion Jean Renoir was uneasy in America, but despite an ending that seemed to have to conform this is not a film that conforms in any way very easily. Paulette Goddard is excellent as the chambermaid who wants to climb up the ladder to what the world calls success and a Valet played brilliantly by Francis Lederer sees her as being just like himself but to disastrous consequences. No spoilers only to say that the cast is perfect in depicting a corrupt and cruel French society and it did not worry me at all that everyone spoke English and that the film was set bound. Renoir loved the theatre of life in all its aspects, and although his view was often comedic human cruelty and sadness showed. Cut by the UK censors to get a certificate fortunately now it can be seen intact, and for the faint hearted there are scenes of killing, both to animal and man that could disturb. But I believe it is a great film, as dark as ' La Chienne ' and ' La Bete Humaine. ' and several other of his films. And yet it is all ' theatre ' and the curtain rises as it descends. Laughter underlines the tragedy of existence.
Review of The Diary of a Chambermaid
