Raymond Bussières Movies

Director Henri-Georges Clouzot's maiden feature-length effort was the intricate mystery thriller The Murderer Lives at Number 21 (L'Assassin habite au 21). Businesslike homicide detective Wens (Pierre Fresnay) goes on the prowl for a methodical mass murderer, who seemingly manages to be everywhere at once. Following a confusing trail of clues to a seedy boarding house, Wens disguises himself as a clergyman in order to gain the confidence of the boarders, hoping that one of them will make "that fatal slip." All of the boarders are eventually taken into custody, only to be released when the murders continue unabated. Wens cracks the case when he figures out that the seemingly contradictory clues are the by-product of a bizarre conspiracy. Filmed in 1942 under wartime conditions, The Murderer Lives at Number 21 was finally released in the U.S. five years later. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

It came as no surprise to filmgoers of 1946 that Vive la Liberte was a patriotic yarn of wartime France. The film details the exploits of the Maquis during the Nazi occupation years. Ostensibly based on fact, the script seems pretty incredible at times, a common shortcoming in "resistance" pictures on both sides of the Atlantic. The film proved most successful in those regions of France where the freedom-fighting Maquis were most active. In America, where such films were a dime a dozen in 1946, Vive la Liberte made little impact. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Many critics felt that Le Jugement Dernier more closely resembled a wartime Russian film than a French production. Michele Martin plays Milia, resident of a mythical European country. When her homeland is overrun by Nazis and her father is killed, Milia vows revenge. She joins an underground movement, proving herself the equal of any man in the ferocity of her guerilla activities. In the end, the country is held in thrall by a mere handful of Germans, who are subjected to the "final judgement" from their former captives. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

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

Il Fiacre N. 13 is based on the novel of the same name by Xavier Montepin. The title translates as Cab No. 13, and the two-part story ("Il Castigo" and "Delitto") concerns the various amorous occupants of that cab. Several of the leading actors essay multiple roles to detail the intrigues arising from the many furtive glances, stolen kisses, and forbidden assignations. The film didn't do too well when first released in Italy but had better luck in South America. A French-language version of Il Fiacre N. 13 was lensed simultaneously, with some of the same cast members. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In this drama, a free-spirited vagabond's life changes dramatically when he learns that he has inherited a fortune. Unfortunately, he also learns that he has also been named the estate's executor. He refuses and this causes problems for the other two heir who cannot claim their share until he accepts his. They therefore endeavor to change his mind until a fourth heir, and impoverished woman, turns up. In the end, the wanderer can no bear longer to watch the wasteful excesses of the idle rich. He takes his share, creates a rest camp for vagabonds, and hits the road again. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

Ma Pomme is not only the title of this charming Gallic comedy, but also the name of its principal character, a carefree tramp. As portrayed by Maurice Chevalier, Ma Pomme is a cheerful indigent who has voluntarily dropped out of the Mainstream, preferring to sing for his supper in the streets. His blissful no-responsibilities lifestyle is shattered when he falls heir to a fortune. After several "money is the root of all evil" negative experiences, Ma Pomme chucks his newfound wealth to return to the sort of life he loves best. Maurice Chevalier is evenly matched in the romantic department by Sophie Desmarets, cast as a world-weary golddigger. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Former Hollywood musical director (and erstwhile government spy) Boris Morros was one of the producers of the British Tale of Five Cities. Bonar Colleano stars as British soldier Bob Mitchell, who has picked up American habits and speech patterns while employed in the U.S. Suffering from amnesia, Mitchell is led to believe that he is an American GI, though of course no records exist to verify this. Mitchell's confusion prompts a Manhattan-based magazine to launch a search for Bob's true identity, a search leading inexorably to the girls he left behind during WW II. The "five cities" visited during this exploratory journey are Rome, Berlin, Vienna, Paris, and London; Mitchell's Roman sweetheart is played by Gina Lollobridgida, while his Viennese amour is Eva Bartok. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide