La nuit est mon royaume

This belongs to a period of Gabin's career when he struggled to get back onto French screens. This film is different from the kind of parts he was getting at the time. Here, he is Raymond Pinsard, a train driver who becomes blind after an accident with steam. Once blind, he struggles to get on with life, still hoping an operation could restore his sight. He has not been told he will never see again.

After much struggle from his family, he accepts going to an institution for the blind to learn a new trade. Thre he meets lovely Louise (Simone Valère) who teaches braille to young kids. While she is herself blind, she gets on with life and has many activities. Raymond falls in love with her, but her suitor, the Institution's accountant, is madly jealous.

This melodrama, in spite of its clichés, was certainly worth investigating because of the great performances of the two leads, Gabin in particular. He is vulnerable, tormented and plays brilliantly this man who cannot cope with his disability. Simone Valère is also remarkable as the blind teacher.