La Vierge du Rhin (1953)
Directed by Gilles Grangier

Film Review

Gilles Grangier directs this satisfying mixing of melodrama and policier with energy, realism and artistic flair - qualities which are much less noticeable in his later films.  The story and its presentation are pure B movie material and the film compares favourably alongside many American films of the genre.

Jean Gabin, enjoying a comeback after a pretty fallow period in the 1940s, gives a characteristically morose and enigmatic performance, a stark contrast to the flawed romantic hero that marked his early film career.  The performances from the supporting cast are also worth noting, particularly Elina Labourdette who plays the film's ambiguous villainess with a sinister coolness.

Unlike most policiers of this decade, the film makes extensive use of location photography, and even includes some spectacular stunts.  This gives the film a realism and sense of narrative coherence which is often lacking in studio bound thrillers of this period.

Film Synopsis

In Düsseldorf, Martin Schmidt finds work on La Vierge du Rhin, a barge bound for France, keeping from his employer that he is in truth Jacques Ledru, a Frenchman who is thought to have been killed in action during World War II.  Back in 1940, believing her husband to be dead, Ledru's wife Geneviève wasted no time marrying his associate Maurice Labbé and taking over his river transportation business.  When Geneviève and Labbé discover that Ledru is still very much alive they agree he must be disposed of if they are to prevent him from taking back his fortune.  Ledru has barely set foot in his hometown of Strasbourg before the first attempt on his life is made.  Narrowly escaping a trap laid for him by his wife, Ledru finds an ally in Anna Berg, his former secretary who has grown to hate her new employer.  Things take an unexpected turn when Labbé is murdered.  Geneviève tips off the police and Ledru is promptly arrested.  Unconvinced of Ladru's guilt, superintendent Guérin sets about uncovering the real murderer...