Inspired by Balzac's series of novels entitled 'The Human Comedy' Emile Zola set about writing a 'natural and social history of a family under the Second Empire', the name of which is Rougon-Macquart. The fundamental purpose of this series is to show the profound and inescapable influence of heredity and environment in making us what we are.
This impeccable adaptation of the tenth novel takes place in a Parisian apartment building. Into this 'melting pot' of the title comes Gustave Mouret who, like his uncle Eugene Rougan in an earlier novel, is obsessed with power. In Gustave's case it is the power that his good looks and charm exert over women.
His conquests are many and very few of the females seem to offer much resistance. He is played by Gerard Philippe so need one say more?! Not only is he perfectly cast physically but his effortless artistry is a joy to behold. One of his conquests is Berthe played by the exquisite Danny Carrel, an actress whose exotic looks came from her Vietnamese mother. Gustave ends up marrying Madame Hedouin whose husband has conveniently kicked the bucket. She is played by the superlative Danielle Darrieux whose scenes with Philippe are by far the best in the film. Mention must be made of the marvellous Jeanne Marken as Madame Josserand whose efforts to get her daughters married off make her little more than a procuress.
As with all adaptations compromises have had to be made. Certain characters are diminished and many events excluded but this still a hugely enjoyable piece with never a dull moment. Splendid production values of course and the art direction by Leon Barsacq is superb.
Naturally the subject matter is right up director Julien Duvivier's street dealing as it does with hypocrisy, cynicism and wafer-thin morality.
The next volume in Balzac's series is 'Au Bonheur des Dames' but ironically Duvivier has put the cart before the horse by directing this in 1930. It is his last silent film and is likewise highly recommended.
