Raboliot

Based on Maurice Genevoix 's famous novel,"Raboliot" is an unfairly forgotten movie by Jacques Daroy who made the very first version of "La Guerre Des Boutons" ("La Guerre Des Gosses").

A very nice cinematography in black and white ,lots of light which contrast with the blackness of the subject.Superb performance by Julien Bertheau (later a Luis Bunuel 's regular performer : 5 movies,including "the discreet charm of the bourgeoisie " :he's unforgettable as the bishop/gardener ).

In the Middle Ages,only the lord could hunt ;in Sologne , in the first half of the twentieth century ,time seems to have stood still.The count is the owner of the woods and remains the master , the man who dispenses justice .That a churl such as Raboliot dares even come to his mansion plunges his downfall.

The nature is Raboliot's home ,but he'll never be the same in another place because of his family and of his good friends (he is an outcast , a beloved rebel against the society ) .However , around him ,another poacher ,gamekeepers ,a dishonest steward ,have sworn to ruin him.The microcosm depicted by Genevoix is not a rosy one:even a sickly little gamine can betray the good poacher who shows some sympathy for her ,so as to not to be beaten by her father .

Good support by Blanchette Brunoy ("Goupi Mains -rouges") and by René Blancard ,who ,in his last scene ,rises to the occasion and absolutely matches Bertheau's brilliance.