A femme fatale, a naive peasant, and diamonds that won't smuggle themselves—classic 1930s French trouble.
Florimond, a dangerous smuggler, and his mistress Viviane try in vain to transfer illegal precious stones. When Viviane gets to know young Théo, a naive young peasant, she immediately capitalizes on the encounter. Thanks to her charm, she seduces him into becoming her accomplice. And, naturally, the operation is a success. Unfortunately for Florimond and Viviane, things soon go awry. Indeed, Théo's godfather, a customs officer, who has heard of the affair, lectures Théo and makes him become aware of the offense he has committed. The young man now wants to makes amends. Which is not to Florimond's liking.
Acting
Ginette Leclerc's dangerously charming Viviane steals every frame.
Direction
Simons crafts moral tension without preachiness.
Director
Léopold Simons
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released during France's Popular Front era, the film subtly critiques class exploitation while preaching moral order. The censors loved the ending.
Robert Lynen, who played naive Théo, was a genuine teen heartthrob; he'd die tragically young in WWII, lending his innocence here haunting retrospect.
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