Martin Roumagnac

I thoroughly enjoyed the acting in this. Gabin is in good form as a decent contractor who gets mixed up with a tarty Dietrich. He keeps his star luster under control. Marcel Herrand as the oily consul de Laubry is impressive, just as he was as the thug in Les Enfants du Paradis. Jean d'Yd plays Dietrich's uncle as a shambling Monsieur Hulot figure; he's really wonderful to watch. His last scene testifying at the trial is very touching. Margo Lion plays Gabin's sister superbly; she'll be remembered after most of the story fades from memory.

Marlene Dietrich and her slow sensuous drawl--what can I say about her? I found her as convincing in French as she was in German and English. She's going to win your heart even as you deplore her lack of ethics. Finally, some excellent camera-work from Roger Hubert, who shot Les Enfants du Paradis and Les Visiteurs du soir for Carne.