hwg1957-102-265704
Starting off in France before World War I this is an engrossing story of a repressed senior detective trying to imprison again a thief, who being charming and debonair, is his complete opposite. They both become connected with the same woman though the detective's relationship is more platonic. The thief gets imprisoned but the onset of war brings changes to the detective, the thief and the woman. The firmly quietly exerts a grip with suspense and humour until the poignant ending. It has fine direction from Robert Hamer and an excellent script by Robert Westerby.As Fernand Maubert the detective Eric Portman is superb, revealing the depths of a clever but lonely man. Equally good is Guy Rolfe as the gentleman thief Philippe Lodocq. Their scenes together are the highlights of the film. Praise also should go to Nadia Gray, in only her second film, as Madeleine Saincaize who gets better as the story progresses. Good supporting performances come from a welcome set of British character actors. It would be unfair to single anyone out as they are all solid in their roles.The music score by Georges Auric gets too cacophonous at times but otherwise the elements of editing, cinematography and art direction add greatly to the movie. It's well worth seeing.
robertino1954
This is an unusual film from the highly-rated Robert Hamer containing two superb performances from Eric Portman and the statuesque Guy Rolfe. Rolfe is a revelation in that he is in no way overshadowed by Portman and his physical presence dominates his scenes. The script matches the performances and the locations, direction, lighting, and camera-work ensure is it wholly convincing throughout. Set in France just before and during the Great War, there are some truly tense and suspenseful scenes and the film holds you from start to finish. It is a picture which, because of its unusual atmosphere and setting, together with the performances and story-line, stays with you. The last two scenes are touching and beautifully played. Why more was not made of Guy Rolfe's talent and presence by giving him more prime roles in his career is a mystery to me. Try not to miss this one.
Alex da Silva
Police inspector Eric Portman (Maubert) is permanently on the case of gentleman thief Guy Rolfe (Philippe), who is a character similar to David Niven's gentleman thief in the original "Pink Panther" film. The film is set in France just before World War 1 and we watch Portman and Rolfe play out a cat-and-mouse game as various robberies are carried out. Nadia Gray (Madeleine) plays the love interest for our two male leads. She is part of Rolfe's crooked network and Portman is constantly at her to shatter Rolfe's alibis. An undercover operation finally finds Rolfe caught in the act but the outbreak of war leads to new priorities and Portman asks for his old adversary to be released from prison to assist France in stealing some important documents from Switzerland. The film then turns into a buddy-buddy movie as these two characters work together to complete their mission. Can they succeed? I really enjoyed this film. The acting is good and Portman (representing detection) and Rolfe (representing crime) are extremely likable in their roles and play off each other with a camaraderie that will have you relishing in them working together in the latter part of the film. The dialogue is good throughout and not one scene is wasted. An amusing occasion occurs when Portman arrests Rolfe and they go into a bar on the way to jail to share a cognac together. Portman pays way in excess of the cost of the drink and when this is pointed out by the barmaid, he replies that it is for the glasses as well at which point both Portman and Rolfe smash their glasses onto the floor. It's amusing and it strengthens the bond between them. I dare you to try it next time you have a drink in a bar.There are a couple of twists at the end which are quite moving. It's a good film to keep and watch again.
Bob Phillips
A well cast and well paced police drama set in Paris just prior to WWI featuring Eric Portman as the professional and unemotional detective Fernand Maubert and his adversary the aristocratic gentleman thief and bank robber Philippe Lodocq played by the exceptionally tall Guy Rolfe. In some scenes I'm sure his lover, the demure Madeleine (Nadia Gray), is standing on something so as to kiss him. As the Hun approaches Paris, the French government tempts Philippe with a pardon and a wad of cash to do a little espionage. The film ends well with an unexpected twist. British film buffs should look out for a young George Cole (aka Arthur Daley)in the dual role as a trainee detective and actor. Also Arthur Lowe (Dad's Army) appears as a nervous town clerk. Note: This is not a film for those trying to quit smoking. In every scene every man smokes furiously and towards the end even the fair Madeleine lights up.
AD
