Gueule d'amour

When the film begins, Lucien (Jean Gabin) is a carefree soldier who loves the women and they sure love him. However, when he meets Madeleine (Mireille Balin), the carefree lover is instantly hooked. So, when his enlistment is over, he heads to Paris where Madeleine lives in order to woo her.

When he arrives in Paris, Madelein's behavior is odd. When she's with him, she tells him how much she adores him. But often, when he's supposed to meet her, she doesn't show. In other words, her words and her actions aren't compatible...but Lucien is hooked and again and again he comes back to her like a puppy. Eventually, however, when he is confronted by the man who keeps her, it finally becomes obvious she isn't for Lucien...and he leaves Paris for good. But there's much more...and it's pretty tragic...not a romance by any stretch.

The acting is THE reason to watch the film. Gabin, in particular, is really good...though he sure doesn't look fabulously sexy as most of the women see him. Perhaps times have changed. As for the story, it's not bad...just don't expect a romance or a film that will leave you happy...it won't!