Contrary to another review here, there is nothing "routine" about this movie. And it certainly isn't a "documentary" (where did that come from?) A superbly realized work of Henri Decoin this is a trip though the Parisian underworld, circa 1955. Junkies, hit-men, prostitutes, pimps, and other denizens of the urban underworld populate this corker of a film. In typical Decoin fashion, the intrigue and double-crosses get complicated: you have to pay close attention and remember names. But it's worth it--this movie really pays off. A rarely-mentioned hard-boiled classic of French noir. Lino Ventura, Albert Rémy, Lila Kedrova (in a hell of a performance), an early appearance by Magali Noël, and plenty of others, headed up by Jean Gabin. The great star of French cinema was visibly aging--and of course he had to be paired with the 20-something Noël--but he does a great job as always. Absolutely essential viewing if you like Noir in its French rendition. French title: RAZZIA SUR LA CHNOUF (DOPE RAID).
