Le Trou (1960)

In prison four long-sentence inmates planning an elaborate escape cautiously induct a new inmate to join in their scheme which leads to distrust and uncertainty.

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 & 1 nomination.

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

Details

Country:

France Italy

Language:

French

Release Date:

14 February 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Le Trou

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,134, 7 July 2017, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$33,187, 14 September 2017

Company Credits

Production Co:

Filmsonor, Play Art, Titanus

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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jean-Pierre Melville regarded this as one of the greatest French films ever made.

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Goofs

In the sewer when Roland Darban is sketching the prison plan, the dirt on the ground is totally flattened while it was a passageway and there should have been some footprints.

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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 Voyage à travers le cinéma français (2016)

User Reviews

Absolutely stunning movie

I watched this masterpiece first time before 10 years and I was stunned. Now, I watched it before few days again and I am really surprised how this remarkable movie functions and become better and better. It is really ingenious portrait of human interaction and cooperation, great "prison-escape" drama that bring us unique way of telling story (in long shots) looking so realistic and powerful.

One of the best movies I've ever seen!

10/10