Robert Dalban Movies
- 1948
French filmmaker Rene Clement's international reputation was secured with Au Dela des Grilles. A French-Italian production, the film sagaciously teamed the most popular stars of each nation: France's Jean Gabin and Italy's Isa Miranda. Gabin is cast as a murderer who escapes prosecution by stowing away on a ship. Suffering from a toothache, he disembarks in Italy in search of a dentist, only to have his few possessions stolen. This setback leads to an extended emotional interlude involving Gabin, a waitress (Miranda) and the waitress' daughter (Andrea Checchi). While keeping in line with the realistic nature of Clement's postwar films, Au Dela des Grilles harks back to the more lyrical style of his prewar efforts. Released in English-speaking countries as Behind the Barriers and The Walls of Malapaga, Au Dela des Grilles won the 1948 "Best Foreign Film" Academy Award, and also earned Clement the "Best Director" prize at the Cannes Film Festival. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jean Gabin, Isa Miranda, (more)
Following a three-year suspension from filmmaking after his Le Corbeau (1943) was judged too critical of his native France, director Henri-Georges Clouzot returned with this thriller that's equal parts crime drama and character study. Suzy Delair stars as Jenny Lamour, an ambitious music hall singer who wants to be a star and is willing to befriend the lecherous old men who ogle her act, inspiring the jealousy of Jenny's husband Maurice Martineau (Bernard Blier). One particular fan of Jenny's is a wealthy financial backer who extends repeated invitations to the entertainer to join him at fine restaurants and his expansive mansion. Armed with a gun, Maurice goes to the estate to confront his rival one night but discovers that the master of the house is already dead, his wife having smashed a bottle of champagne over his head to stave off a sexual advance. Soon, a gruff but dedicated detective, Inspector Antoine (Louis Jouvet) is on the case, with Maurice taking the heat for Jenny. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Louis Jouvet, Bernard Blier, (more)
- 1946
Non Coupable translates as Not Guilty, which is definitely not the legal standing of provincial doctor Michel Simon. Already on the outs with the medical establishment because of his heavy drinking, Simon exacerbates the problem by inaugurating a clandestine romance. Things go from worse to worst when, after a particularly bibulous evening, Simon plows his car into a motorcyclist, then leaves the scene of the fatal accident. Reasoning that he can only be guillotined once for murder, Simon then goes on a homicidal rampage, killing his mistress' second lover, and then knocking off a rival doctor. Far from being repentant, Simon struts around hoping to be caught so that he'll be praised for the ingeniousness of his crimes. The film's title is elucidated ironically at the end, when the vainglorious Simon, disgusted that the local police are unable to link him with the murders, decides to mail his confession to the authorities-resulting in still another blow to his inflated ego. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michel Simon, Jany Holt, (more)
- 1945
The title of this French wartime melodrama translates to Firing Squad. In as realistic a manner as possible, the film dramatizes the appalling treatment afforded French prisoners of war by their Nazi captors. Lucien Cordel heads the cast as Haus, an Alsatian forced to serve in the German army. Posing as a member of the Gestapo, Haus is in a position to rescue the Frenchmen -- but will he? Yvonne Gaudeau is the archetypal French resistance fighter, lacking only the beret and neckerchief. Though filmed on a modest budget, Peloton D'Execution manages to look both expensive and expansive. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Yvonne Gaudeau, Pierre Renoir, (more)
