Du haut en bas (1933)
Directed by Georg Wilhelm Pabst

Film Review

An exile from Nazi Germany, the distinguished cineaste G.W. Pabst made a number of films in France, most of which are completely overshadowed by his previous silent masterpieces - Die Freudlose Gasse (1925), Pandora's Box (1929). Du haut en bas (1933) is one of Pabst's least known films, a quirky slice-of-life comedy-drama that typifies the director's concern for the plight of ordinary women in a male-dominated society.  In contrast to the intensely dramatic slant of Pabst's earlier pro-female films, this one is distinctly humorous, championing the cause of women by mocking the failings of the supposedly stronger sex.  In almost every scene in the film, it is the little woman who outsmarts the man, often in ways we least expect.

The film is notable for featuring two of the great icons of French cinema - Jean Gabin and Michel Simon - at the start of their illustrious careers.  Both actors are cast according to type, Gabin as the happy-go-lucky juvenile, Simon as the pathetic, ill-fated outsider.  Catherine Hessling, famously the muse of director Jean Renoir (she starred in many of his early films, including La Fille de l'eau and Nana) appears briefly in one of her last screen roles, and Pauline Carton, a much-loved character actor, enjoys a sparkling scene with Peter Lorre (the star of Fritz Lang's M) , humorously parodying himself as a suspicious-looking con artist.  Janine Crispin has an engaging presence as the female lead and you can't help wondering why she spent most of her career confined to supporting roles.  Du haut en bas is by no means Pabst's greatest film but it is an entertaining amusement with a few delightfully funny moments.

Film Synopsis

After graduating with a doctorate, Marie de Ferstel is eager to find temporary work until a permanent teaching job turns up.  With the help of employment agent Mr Berger she gets herself hired as a maid-of-all-work to a well-off bourgeois couple, Mr and Mrs Binder.  In the course of her duties, Marie meets Charles Boula, a well-known football player, and a mutual attraction soon develops.   Unfortunately, Boula is not Marie's only admirer.  Mr Binder also has amorous designs on her...