Panic (1946)
"Panique" (original title)

In the suburbs of Paris, an old maid has just been murdered. Every body talks about that, except the misanthrope Mr Hire. The same evening, Alice, just getting out of jail, arrives and ... See full summary »

Director:

Julien Duvivier

Writers:

Georges Simenon (novel), Julien Duvivier (dialogue),

Stars:

Viviane Romance, Michel Simon, Max Dalban

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Viviane Romance	...	Alice
Michel Simon	...	M. Hire
Max Dalban	...	Capoulade
Émile Drain	...	M. Breteuil
Guy Favières	...	M. Sauvage
Louis Florencie	...	Inspector Marcelin (as Florencie)
Charles Dorat	...	Inspector Michelet
Lucas Gridoux	...	M. Fortin
Marcel Pérès	...	Cermanutti
Lita Recio	...	Marcelle
Michel Ardan	...	Fernand
Michèle Auvray	...	Mme Branchu
Lucien Carol	...	Inspecteur Benoit
Olivier Darrieux	...	Étienne
Josiane Dorée	...	Mouchette

Storyline

In the suburbs of Paris, an old maid has just been murdered. Every body talks about that, except the misanthrope Mr Hire. The same evening, Alice, just getting out of jail, arrives and meets up with her lover Alfred again. They act as they do not know each other, for Alice went to jail to spare Alfred. But Mr Hire falls in love with Alice, and he knows Alfred is the murderer...

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Plot Keywords:

misanthrope | paris france | photographer | prejudice | lynch mob | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

26 November 1947 (USA)

Also Known As:

Panic

Company Credits

Production Co:

Filmsonor

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Photophone)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in Rue des plaisirs (2002)

User Reviews

A bitter reflection on human nature

Although sound and picture quality are abysmal, as in a lot of French films from the 1940's, I do enjoy watching this film for its acting and also for the message it delivers. A murder has been committed in a sector of Paris and all eyes are drawn towards a solitary old gentleman, a slightly eccentric person living in the neighbourhood who had had some contact with the murdered girl (but who is not her murderer). The main object of the film is not "who dunnit" but rather that of painting a portrait of human nature as portrayed by local residents in their attitude of designating Mr Hire, as the man is named as being the obvious guilty party. One can not but have symapthy with the poor old gentleman who is sweet as a church mouse but who, it is true, does have some eccentric habits. Basically speaking, he who is different from the mass is vilipended by that mass at the first opportunity. Thankfully in the end, the real murderer is found, but meanwhile, Mr Hire's character has been blackened ! A remake of the film was made in the 1990's under the title "Monsieur Hire". The original Monsieur Hire was played in 1946 by the great Michel Simon ( an actor whom I adore ). The Monsieur Hire of the 1990's was played by Michel Blanc, more known for comic or semi-comic roles but who nevertheless delivers an excellent performance for this role !