The wife and mistress of a loathed school principal hatch a plan to murder him while having the perfect alibi. They carry out the plan...but then his body disappears.
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Title: Diabolique (1955)
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Edit
Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Simone Signoret | ... | Nicole Horner | |
| Véra Clouzot | ... | Christina Delassalle (as Vera Clouzot) | |
| Paul Meurisse | ... | Michel Delassalle | |
| Charles Vanel | ... | Alfred Fichet, le commissaire | |
| Jean Brochard | ... | Plantiveau, le concierge | |
 |
Thérèse Dorny | ... | Mme. Herboux |
| Michel Serrault | ... | M. Raymond, le surveillant | |
|
|
Georges Chamarat | ... | Dr. Loisy |
| Robert Dalban | ... | Le garagiste | |
|
|
Camille Guérini | ... | Le photographe (as Camille Guerini) |
|
|
Jacques Hilling | ... | L'employé de la morgue |
| Jean Lefebvre | ... | Le soldat | |
|
|
Aminda Montserrat | ... | Madame Plantiveau |
|
|
Jean Témerson | ... | Le garçon d'hôtel (as Jean Temerson) |
|
|
Jacques Varennes | ... | M. Bridoux, professeur |
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Plot Synopsis
See All (53) »
Storyline
The wife and mistress of a sadistic boarding school headmaster plot to kill him. They drown him in the bathtub and dump the body in the school's filthy swimming pool... but when the pool is drained, the body has disappeared - and subsequent reported sightings of the headmaster slowly drive his 'killers' (and the audience) up the wall with almost unbearable suspense... Written by Michael Brooke <michael@everyman.demon.co.uk>
Plot Keywords:
drowning in a bathtub | boarding school | disappearance of a dead body | surprise ending | school principal |Taglines:
The Great Suspense Film That Shocked the World... And Became A Classic. See more »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
Edit
See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
FranceRelease Date:
21 November 1955 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
The Devils See more »Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Mono (A.R.T.E.C.)Color:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1
Edit
Plantiveau, le concierge: Headmaster!
Michel Delassalle: Yes.
Plantiveau, le concierge: Isn't it time I rang the bell?
Michel Delassalle: It's okay. I'll unload the car myself.
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
This film is part of the Criterion Collection, spine #35. See more »Goofs
When Michel is unconscious on the bed, his shoes are off. A few minutes later when Nicole and Christina pick him up and put him in the bathtub, his shoes are suddenly back on. See more »Quotes
[first lines]Plantiveau, le concierge: Headmaster!
Michel Delassalle: Yes.
Plantiveau, le concierge: Isn't it time I rang the bell?
Michel Delassalle: It's okay. I'll unload the car myself.
See more »
Crazy Credits
The movie ends with a text screen commenting on what the viewer has witnessed, and a request not to spoil the ending for those who are planning to see the movie. See more »Alternate Versions
USA release in 1955 ran 107 minutes rather than 116 minutes. See more »Contribute to This Page
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"Les Diaboliques" has one of the best plots you will ever find in any mystery or suspense thriller. The excellent directing, acting, and writing combine with the story itself to make it a memorable experience.
If you enjoy quality mysteries or thrillers, you will almost certainly enjoy this one - and if you have not seen it yet, you might just want to buy or rent it now, before you read any more reviews. This comment will avoid any discussion at all of the actual plot itself, because the less you know in advance, the more you will enjoy it. The few implausible elements in the story do not detract at all from the enjoyment.
A great plot does not all by itself make a good movie, and everything works especially well here because of the expert pacing by director Henri-Georges Clouzot and good, mostly understated acting by the main actors. We are drawn into their world very nicely. Everything about the characters and events is built up perfectly, to give the brilliant climax its full effect. Once again, see it before you find out any more.
Even if you do not normally watch black-and-white films or foreign movies (this is in French), if you enjoy thrillers, watch "Les Diaboliques" as soon as you have the chance.