There's much to admire here - atmosphere, jazz-influenced soundtrack, noirish photography, Hazel Scott and, last but not least Jean Gabin and Danielle Darrieux (who gets a 'with the participation of ...' credit which means she doesn't turn up until halfway through the fourth reel and even then it's little more than an extended cameo). By the late fifties Gabin had made the transition from hood to flic - he played Maigret three times - and here he portrays a semi maverick Inspector investigating the murder of a nightclub boss. He enjoyed a long association with director Gilles Graingier who this time around seems to be under the influence of Jean-Pierre Melville, especially Bob, Le flambeur, although there's not a lot wrong with that. The one jarring not is the plot or lack of same which is unsatisfactory to say the least however there are compensations in the shape of Darrieux - who, if she makes it to the first of May, will celebrate her one hundredth birthday - and Gabin.
Review of The Night Affair
