Gibier de potence

Ten years earlier Roger Richebe directed what is undoubtedly the finest version of Sardou's 'Madame Sans-Gene' starring the incomparable Arletty in the title role.

Here, for the same director, she plays Madame Alice whose relationship with the young Marceau of Georges Marchal is surely one of the strangest, ambiguous and most disturbing in the history of film whilst the subject matter is more than somewhat daring for the time. When she meets him he is down-and-out but she quickly recognises that his good looks and athletic physique mark him out as an ideal 'escort' for wealthy women 'd'un certain age'. This doesn't work out too well to say the least! War intervenes and upon his return their 'friendship' continues. He meets the lovely Dominique of Nicole Courcel and when he tells Alice of his intention to marry she turns on him with the utmost venom.......... The best scenes of course are between Marchal and Arletty. He is a hunk who can also act as is proved in his films for Bunuel and she brings her own particular magic and air of mystery to every part she plays. Their final confrontation is as powerful as it is unexpected and wonderfully done. Courcel is deeply touching as the woman who offers him a chance of happiness. Philippe Agostini is behind the camera and there is an excellent score by Henri Verdun. I can only add my voice to those of previous reviewers who have lamented Richebé's undeserved neglect.