I tried "La porteuse de pain" knowing it's a melodrama, not my kind of favorite stories. But it works successfully : fine settings, brilliant dialogues by René Wheeler (one of the best scenarist in France) and unique cast.
Especially Martine Sarcey as Jeanne Fortier in the lead character, very modest and humble, so touching in accepting her fate. And I really loved the character of Etienne Castel, the distinguished painter helping Jeanne Fortier, played by Daniel Dadzu who has a strong and human presence, he deserves the so brilliant dialogues by René Wheeler.
The only weak point is the last episode, ending the story too much quickly and with an actor that ruins this abrupt ending. Real pity.
I do not see Jacques Villeret in this movie as other gentleman reviewer wrote, maybe he got confused with Maurice Risch. You will recognize young Carole Laure and Bernard Giraudeau and you won't miss Philippe Léotard. And very good directing job by Marcel Camus, of course.
