

After committing a murder, a man locks himself in his apartment and recollects the events that led him to the killing.
Direction
Carné elevates pulp material to operatic tragedy.
Acting
Gabin's weary eyes contain multitudes of sorrow.
Cinematography
Shadows so gorgeous they almost forgive the darkness.

Director
Marcel Carné
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This is Poetic Realism's swan song—made as WWII loomed, Carné and screenwriter Jacques Prévert would soon flee occupied France.
Arletty's Clara was controversial for her earthy sexuality; critics missed that she's the film's moral compass, not its corruption.