Le sang à la tête

The working relationship between Jean Gabin and Gilles Grangier resulted in no less than twelve films. Those of the sixties are nothing much to write home about but some of their fifties' collaborations are of great interest, notably 'Désordre de la Nuit' and this 'loose' adaptation by Michel Audiard of Georges Simenon's 'Le Fils Cardinaud'.

What does any self-respecting wife do when taken for granted by her spouse? Why, she runs off with a younger man of course! Faced with this dilemma the Cardinaud of Jean Gabin sets out to bring her back but soon realises that he can expect neither sympathy nor assistance from anyone........

One can fully understand why this vehicle would appeal to Monsieur Gabin. He had captured the public's imagination as the ordinary bloke pursued by implacable Fate but from 'Touchez-pas au Grisbi' onwards he joined the ranks of the well-heeled. The character of Cardinaud is of humble origins and has succeeded through sheer hard graft in becoming a wealthy shipowner, thereby attracting the customary envy and resentment. Like so many fine film actors Gabin is fundamentally a 'behaviourist' who plays various aspects of himself. Here he is spot on as one who 'does what he has to do, all alone'. This is decidedly one of his best performances.

Good support here from Renée Faure as the housekeeper who hopes to fill the void left by his wife's absence, Paul Frankeur as a distinctly unpleasant cargo boat captain and Claude Sylvain as the local tart.

As usual with this director there is a great sense of 'being there' and the seaport of La Rochelle as shot by André Thomas adds immeasurably to the films sombre mood. This is one of six Simenon adaptations by Michel Audiard and here the dialogue is suitably vitriolic. Excellent score by Henri Verdun.

Is Cardinaud reunited with his wife? Ah, that would be telling!