La nuit des traqués

LA NUIT DES TRAQUÉS (NIGHT OF THE HUNTED) starts off a bit shaky, with juvenile delinquent characters typical of 50s films. But when a major dramatic event takes place it goes into high gear and does not let up. A tale of fate getting the best of a careless youth and infecting others in his life. Very suspenseful and intriguing at times, it's a real 'hidden gem'.

One reason for its relative obscurity may be a lack of major stars, but the young actors are more than adequate: Sami Frey, Claude Titre and Juliette Mayniel are all very well cast. The locations are extremely evocative of a port city --Anvers (Antwerp) in Belgium--with dark alleys and rain-soaked streets; the waterfront in particular has a terrific noir atmosphere. All beautifully shot in b&w, and well directed by somewhat obscure Bernard-Roland. There's even a song written and sung by Charles Aznavour. This is an excellent, if minor, film noir that should be better known.