Im Mantel der Nacht

Although it is not based on a Simenon novel,the atmosphere recalls that of the Belgian writer.And Audiard comes up with one good line or two particularly when Gabin tells Darrieux that ,with her medicine,she can calm her protégée forever.

Another proof positive that Grangier was a good director in the fifties and if this one is not as exciting as "Danger De Mort" or "Retour A L'Envoyeur " ,it's because the writers hesitate between detective story and psychological drama.The two sides of the plot do not hang well together ;besides,Darrieux's part,very important,is underwritten and it's 45 minutes before she appears.

Grangier knew how to show the big city at night with its lights ,its darkness on the edge ,its shady places .He was not afraid,like Decoin in "Razzia Sur LA Chnouff " to show an already drug-addicted youth.The Commissaire /Young girl relationship is as much father /daughter as it is lovers .This loser is actually from a wealthy German family,a subject which would be trendy ten years later in the wake of May 68.