Macao

A thoroughly entertaining film by Jean Delannoy. A load of nonsense of course but hugely enjoyable. Nicolas Hayer contributes marvellous cinematography and Georges Auric his customary excellent score. Leading players are Sessue Hayakawa, whom David Lean thought 'mad' when directing him in 'Bridge on the River Kwai', Erich von Stroheim whose iron fist in the velvet glove and very 'precise' French accent are always fascinating and the fabulous Mireille Balin. The only weak link is Roland Toutain who although personable and athletic, seems to 'miss it' somehow. He was okay in 'La Regle du Jeu' but if you can't be good in a film directed by Renoir when can you be? I have never seen the version with Renoir's brother Pierre as Werner von Krall (has anyone?) but I am sure he brought his own distinctive seediness to the role. Mireille Balin as we know paid a terrible price for her crime of 'horizontal collaboration' during the German occupation. When released from prison she made one more film with the rather unfortunate title of 'The Last Ride'(!) and disappeared into obscurity. What a dreadful waste. Whilst not a classic this film is extremely sylish and well-paced with a tremendous finale.