L'Aventure est au coin de la rue (1944)
Directed by Jacques Daniel-Norman

Film Review

Of the twenty or so films that Jacques Daniel-Norman directed most of these have long fallen into obscurity and the few that are remembered owe their longevity to the fame of their lead actors - for example, Tino Rossi in Son dernier Noël (1952) and Tourments (1954).  Aventure est au coin de la rue is one of the few films made by Daniel-Norman that manages to stand on its own merits, an amiable offering in the comédie policière line which makes good use of its chief asset, a charismatic Raymond Rouleau.  Claude Renoir's stylish photography lends it a film noir atmosphere, adding dramatic tension that plays surprisingly well against the comedy elements.

At a time when there was something of a 'star vacuum' in France, with many of the country's biggest stars now working in Hollywood or the UK, lesser talents such as Raymond Rouleau came to the fore and enjoyed a short-lived career boost.  Today, Rouleau is best remembered for his appearances in Christian-Jaque's mystery thriller L'Assassinat du Père Noël (1942) and Jacques Becker's melodrama Falbalas (1945) although he featured in many more films.  He combined a busy acting career with work as a film and theatre director.  Rouleau shows his versatility in Aventure est au coin de la rue in a role that calls on both his dramatic and comedic skills.  Here he shares the limelight with not one but two beautiful femmes fatales, Michèle Alfa and Suzy Carrier, although neither actress has much of an opportunity to shine in the film.

Film Synopsis

A wealthy young man, Pierre Trévoux, is tired of his dull life and yearns for adventure.  After spending an evening in a night-club where is inspired by the singer Adria-Adria, he gets the better of a pickpocket, Roulet, forcing him to give him his ill-gotten gains for that evening. These include a woman's purse containing an ornamental locket.   A few days later, Trévoux's house is raided and his collection of miniatures stolen.  At the time, Trévoux is staying with friends at their country house, where he is the victim of an elaborate charade.  Returning home to his ransacked house, Trévoux is convinced that his friends are continuing their game, and he resolves to get his own back.  Unfortunately, he fails to realise that he has become the target of a band of dangerous criminals who are determined to recover the stolen locket that he still has in his possession…