1958 was a busy year for Jean Gabin, even by his standards, with five films released, one of which is the film under review. He is on top form here as Noel Schoudler, the patriarch of a wealthy family and head of a powerful business empire.The conflicting demands of father and businessman prove to have a devastating outcome however.
Director Denys de la Patelliere has the benefit of an immaculate ensemble, notably Jean Desailly as his son and Bernard Blier, making the most of a pretty thankless part as his future son-in-law. Supporting roles are taken by Annie Ducaux, Louis Seigner. Aimee Clariond and Julien Bertheau. all of whom were luminaries of the Comedie Francaise. The character that stands out is that of Maurice, the black sheep of the family, played with relish by the superlative Pierre Brasseur. How we all love a rogue!
The production values are, as expected, superb. Excellent cinematography by Louis Page and sumptuous production design by Rene Renoux, Michel Audiard has adapted the novel of Maurice Druon and written marvellous dialogue that is a gift to actors.
The eagle-eyed might spot Emmanuelle Riva in a miniscular, uncredited role as Soudler's secretary. Incredible to think that barely a year later she was to take the film world by storm as Elle in 'Hiroshima, mon Amour'.
This is the first of six films that Gabin made with this director, notably 'Le Tonnere de Dieu' in 1965.
This first collaboration is an excellent, well-paced and beautifully shot film with a literate script and actors out of the top drawer. What more could one ask?
