Le baron de l'écluse

This is a film that can be savoured for its elegance, sophistication and Gallic charm. Adapted from a story of the prodigious Georges Simenon with dialogue by the ubiquitous Michel Audiard starring the impeccable Jean Gabin in the title role. He is a gentleman gambler who is tempted to settle down with cafe owner Maria, played sympathetically by Blanchette Brunoy but finds the promise of further adventures elsewhere more exciting. Micheline Presle and Jean Desailly are excellent but the latter has a pretty thankless part. Sure to have been disparaged by the New Ripple brigade this film of Jean Delannoy is a very pleasant way of spending an hour and a half.