Le Trou (1960)

Distrust and uncertainty arise when four long-term inmates cautiously induct a new prisoner into their elaborate prison-break scheme.

Director:

Jacques Becker

Writers:

José Giovanni (novel), Jacques Becker (adaptation)

Stars:

André Bervil, Jean Keraudy, Michel Constantin

Nominated for 2 BAFTA Film Awards. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview:
Michel Constantin	...	Geo Cassine
Jean Keraudy	...	Roland Darban
Philippe Leroy	...	Manu Borelli
Raymond Meunier	...	Vossellin / Monseigneur
Marc Michel	...	Claude Gaspard (as Mark Michel)
Jean-Paul Coquelin	...	Le lieutenant Grinval (as J. Paul Coquelin)
André Bervil	...	Le directeur de la prison
Eddy Rasimi	...	Bouboule

Storyline

Just as four cell-mates are about to launch their elaborate escape from a tiny cell, a detainee from a cell-block under repair is transferred in. The four all face certain conviction and long sentences. Does the young new jail-mate have the same incentive and if so, can they trust him?

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Plot Keywords:

digging | jail cell | prison guard | convict | escape from prison | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

This film is part of the Criterion Collection, spine #129.

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Goofs

When Geo checks the corridor with the mirror and takes a break to say goodbye to his cellmates, he leaves the mirror in the hole. However, when he goes back to checking the corridor he has to stick the mirror back into the hole first.

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Quotes

[first lines]
self: [wiping grease off hands] Hello. My friend Jacques Becker recreated a true story in all its detail. My story. It took place in 1947 at the Sante prison.

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Connections

Featured in My Father Saved My Life (2001)

User Reviews

Jacques Becker's Lasting Opus

Before his life was cut short prematurely, Director Jacques Becker created his very personal film, "Le Trou" ("The Hole"). Using mostly then nonprofessional actors, M. Becker elicited extremely naturalistic and powerful performances in a reportedly true-life prison-escape drama set in France.

It was especially interesting to see Marc Michel in his film debut. Made four years before Michel scored a hit as Roland in "Les Parapluies de Cherbourg," Michel here subtely creates a fascinating character. His work is seemingly effortless, yet always intriguing. He stands at the center of a group of convicts planning a daring escape--a group which has difficulty in fully trusting his loyalty.

The routine of prison life as well as the actual escape is done with such detail that the viewer feels part of the action. The black-and-white photography enhances the realism of the presentation, done without a musical background.

Generally a "forgotten film," "Le Trou" is a carefully constructed prison drama, most convincingly executed. It is a credit to both a hard working cast and director.

Details

Country:

France Italy

Language:

French

Release Date:

14 February 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Le Trou

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$6,756, 2 July 2017

Gross USA:

$34,588

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$34,588

Company Credits

Production Co:

Filmsonor, Play Art

Technical Specs

Runtime:

131 min 121 min (1984 restored)

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1