Die Wahrheit über unsere Ehe (1952)
50KDie Wahrheit über unsere Ehe: Directed by Henri Decoin. With Danielle Darrieux, Jean Gabin, Jacques Castelot, Daniel Lecourtois. François Donge, a wealthy mature man, is about to die. Flashback: many years ago, the seducer François meets Bébé, an idealistic young woman, and marries her. Her idealism crashes against François’ personality.
“Prolific writer Georges Simenon has understandably been a fertile source for film-makers and this is the third film directed by Henri Decoin based upon one of his novels.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis is indisputably one of this directors most accomplished films and provides strong roles for two of Franceu0026#39;s finest, Jean Gabin and Danielle Darrieux, formerly married to Decoin.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eBy means of flashbacks this harsh and cynical piece chronicles a marriage that is doomed from the outset as Bébé has married for love whilst Francois has done so for convenience. He continues to have mistresses most of whom are cheating on their husbands. The couple have a child that proves to be no compensation to her and in order to end her unhappiness she resorts to drastic measures. Even though Francois reveals his true feelings for her it is too late for them both……..nOne of Simenonu0026#39;s strengths is of course his acute psychological penetration which raises this story above the level of u0026#39;pure melodramau0026#39;. The performances are splendid and one is especially impressed with Gabin who excels as a thoroughly detestable character whose u0026#39;redemptionu0026#39; at the end would be risible in the hands of a lesser actor. The transformation of Bébé from joyous young bride to embittered wife is beautifully depicted by Mlle Darrieux. Mention must also be made of Grand Dame Gabrielle Dorziat as a society u0026#39;matchmakeru0026#39;.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eSuperlative production values, fabulous cinematography by Léonce-Henri Burel and a haunting score by Jean-Jacques Grunenwald all contribute to a film that is both classy and first class.”
