Le Tunnel (1933)
Directed by Curtis Bernhardt

Film Review

Anticipating problems in his native Germany when the Nazis came to power, director Kurt Bernhardt opted to make this adaptation of Bernhard Kellermann's novel in a Parisian film studio. Two rising stars Jean Gabin and Madeleine Renaud were cast in the leading roles, which, as it turned out, was an inspired choice.

Although very early in his career, Gabin's talent as an actor, in particular his ability to play tough dramatic roles convincingly, is apparent throughout this film.  His presence dominates the film, his portrayal very much that of the popular working class hero for which he would become best known during the 1930s.   Madeleine Renaud is the perfect foil for Gabin, her character's tragic vulnerability and flighty optimism exposing the softer side of Gabin's, making the latter more sympathetic and believable.

The film itself comes across as an uncomfortable mix of German expressionism and silent film melodrama.  Whilst the plotting leaves a lot to be desired, the scenes of the tunnel being constructed are impressive, capturing both the scale of such an enterprise and the terrible human cost involved.   The same footage was later re-used in Maurice Elvey's 1935 English language remake of the film, The Tunnel.

Bernhardt was compelled to direct a version of the film in Germany, Der Tunnel (1933).  He was subsequently arrested by the Gestapo but managed to flee his country and continue his filmmaking career in Hollywood.  There, under the name Curtis Bernhardt, he directed several classic melodramas, including Possessed (1947), The Merry Widow (1952) and The Blue Veil (1951), as well as the stylish Bogart film noir Conflict (1945).

Film Synopsis

The crowning glory of Mac Allan's engineering career will be the construction of a tunnel beneath the Atlantic Ocean to connect America with Europe.  But first he must find financial backing for the project. After some fierce negotiations, the project is given the go-ahead and work can begin.  Unfortunately for Mac Allan this bold feat of human endeavour will involve a greater sacrifice than he had imagined…