Set during WWI, the film takes place in a tiny French village, occupied by the Germans. When an enemy officer is killed, five villagers are taken hostage, sentenced to execution if the guilty party does not come forward. Through an incredible coincidence, one of the hostages is town mayor Charpin, who not only knows the killer's identity, but is also an accessory after the fact. A rather abrupt deux ex machina provides the film with a happy ending, especially for young lovers Pierre (Jean Paqui) and Annie (Annie Vernay), whose forbidden rendezvous precipitated the killing in the first place.
Synopsis
Actors (18)
Production and distribution (2)
Full credits (9)
Assistant Director :
Screenwriters :
Jean Anouilh, Victor Trivas, Leo Mittler
Sound Recordist :
Editor :
Music Composer :
Dialogue Writer :
Directors of Photography :
Robert Lefebvre, Jean Brévignon, Leon Bellet
Production Manager :
Production Designers :
Technical details
Feature film
Genres :
FictionSub-genre :
Drama, WarProduction language :
FrenchOriginal French-language productions :
UnspecifiedNationality :
100% FrenchProduction year :
1939French release :
23/09/1939Runtime :
1 h 45 minCurrent status :
ReleasedVisa number :
750Visa issue date :
30/09/1943Approval :
Production formats :
35mmColor type :
Black & WhiteAspect ratio :
1.37Audio format :
MonoPosters (3)
