This above-average film noir is strangely enough the only film directed by Maurice Cazeneuve. Film is a collaborative medium of course and he is privileged here to have the services of the legendary cinematographer Leonce-Henri Burel and the excellent editor Louisette Hautecoeur.
French cinema, in whatever genre, has always been as much about character than plot and ones interest is maintained here by the three principal actors.
Both Maurice Ronet and Mylene Demongeot are excellent and really convince as husband and wife whose love for each other helps them face the consequences of his moment of madness. Jean Servais never disappoints. He invariably plays shady characters but always gives them depth and a certain melancholy which makes them somehow appealing.
There is also strong support here from Francoise Prevost as an exceedingly sensuous secretary and Hubert Noel as a somewhat neurotic blackmailer.
Lots of 'noirish' touches , classy production design by Jacques Chalvet and the charismatic cast make this very watchable indeed.
Review of Cette nuit là...
