While the United States can indisputably lay claim to being the birthplace of film noir, arguably France and French cinema is almost as important to the development of the genre. The term film noir' - literally, dark film' - was first applied to the Hollywood crime movies of the 40s and 50s by French critic Nino Frank, who was believed to have been inspired by the French publishing imprint Serie Noire, which published translated editions of American hardboiled fiction to great commercial success. It was the French who would popularise the use of the term and in turn, create the genre framework that has become so important and influential to the history of cinema.Arguably, the story of noir is one of the cinema of France and the USA in conversation with one another, and presented in this set are three classic French noirs from the 50s and 60s that clearly take their inspiration from the Golden Age of Hollywood noir: Henri Decoin's Chnouf (1955), Ãdouard Molinaro's Back Against The Wall (1958), and Marcel Bluwal's Paris Pick-up (1962).CHNOUFHenri (Jean Gabin, Touchez pas au grisbi) is brought in following a successful stint in the US to head up operations by gang boss Lisky. Tasked with increasing sales and reforming the drugs distribution network, he unpicks every aspect of the business, but pushers don't want to change and the cops are on his tail. From the creator of Rififi, Auguste Le Breton, and brought to the screen by Henri Decoin (Not Guilty), the influence of American noir is given a French translation as we see the then-nascent drugs trade depicted in remarkable detail. Out of the inky shadows scenery chewing support is given by a rich cast of wonderful character actors including Lino Ventura (Illustrious Corpses), Albert Rémy (The Train) and Magali Noël (Rififi).BACK TO THE WALLJacques, a rich industrialist, sneaks around an apartment where he bundles up and disposes of a dead body. His troubles started three months ago, his wife, Gloria, was having an affair... To get his revenge he sends Gloria anonymous letters in a scheme to turn her against her lover, a scheme that leads to murder. Ingeniously plotted, this methodical noir by Ãdouard Molinaro (Witness in the City) bathes in atmospheric chiaroscuro while its pulpy thrills, adapted from the novel by Frédéric Dard (Paris Pick-up), keeps the audience guessing until the final moments. Starring Jeanne Moreau (The Bride Wore Black) as the adulterous wife, this twisty noir is made available in the UK for the first time.PARIS PICK-UPRecently released ex-convict Robert Herbin (Robert Hossein, Rififi) meets Marthe (Lea Massari, L'Avventura), a beautiful Italian woman and her daughter. They share some flirtatious glances and then she invites him back to her home where they discover her husband's dead body. Unable to bear witness to a crime due to his parole Robert flees. Guilty about her situation Robert stays close by where he discovers the body has inexplicably disappeared. With its tender depiction of character and relationships director Marcel Bluwal engineers gripping tension with the expertise of Hitchcock or Clouzot. Adapted from the novel by celebrated crime writer Frédéric Dard (Back to the Wall), Paris Pick-up is released for the first time outside of France.BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION BOX SET SPECIAL FEATURES:2K restorations for each film by GaumontOriginal uncompressed mono PCM audio for all filmsNewly improved optional English subtitles for all filmsNewly designed artwork based on original postersLimited edition 80-page perfect bound book featuring archival pieces and new writing by critics and experts including Imogen Sara Smith, Farran Nehme, Jake Cole and moreLimited Edition of 3,000 copies presented in a rigid box with full-height Scanavo cases for each film and removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markingsCHNOUFAudio commentary by Nick Pinkerton (2019)Archival interview with Henri Decoin on Jean Gabin (1960)New visual essay on Chnouf and drugs in film noir by Frank Krutnik (2025)TrailerBACK TO THE WALLNew audio commentary by Daniel Kremer (2025)Archival onset interview with Ãdouard Molinaro and Gerard Oury (1958)Archival retrospective interview with Ãdouard Molinaro (2011)TrailerPARIS PICK-UPNew audio commentary by Tim Lucas (2025)Archival interview with director Marcel BluwalArchival behind-the-scenes report on Paris Pick-up (1962)Archival interview with actor Robert Hossein and writer Frédéric Dard about their play (1963)Inspector Leclerc Investigates: The Grey Jackets - episode of 1962 TV crime serial directed by Marcel Bluwal
Jean-Pierre Melville's masterpiece about the French resistance went unreleased in the United States for thirty-seven years before its triumphant debut release in 2006. Atmospheric and gripping Army Of Shadows is Melville's most personal film featuring Lino Ventura Paul Meurisse Jean-Pierre Cassel and the incomparable Simone Signoret as intrepid underground fighters who must grapple with their own brand of honor in their fight against evil.
A director with a dark sensibility comparable to Chabrol, Claude Miller made these two twisty Polars (French Police-Noir films) with Michel Serrault (Kill the Referee), showcasing the actor in stunning performances alongside stars including Lino Ventura (Army of Shadows) and Isabelle Adjani (Possession, The Story of Adele H).In The Inquisitor cops Gallien (Ventura) and Belmont (Guy Marchand) interrogate Martinaud (Serrault), a wealthy lawyer, for the rape and murder of two young girls. The investigation becomes further complicated when his wife (Romy Schneider, Le combat dans l'ile) gives her statement A gripping thriller with intense performances, The Inquisitor was a critical and commercial success on release, nominated for 8 César Awards, winning Best Screenplay and acting prizes for Serrault and Marchand.Serrault returns in Deadly Circuit as a P.I. who becomes obsessed with the target of his investigation, a murderer (Adjani) who he follows across Europe as she moves from one victim to another. Switching gears to pitch black humour this wild crime film features both leads on top form alongside a stunning supporting cast including Stephane Audran (The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie), Macha Méril (Deep Red), Sami Frey (Bande à part), and Jean-Claude Brialy (The Bride Wore Black) among others.LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES4K restoration of The Inquisitor and 2K restoration of Deadly Circuit, presented on disc for the first time in the UKOriginal uncompressed mono audioSuccess Story - a documentary on the making of The Inquisitor (2016)Interview with Claude Miller and Michel Audiard on (1981) An appreciation of the film by filmmaker Patrice Leconte (2016)Reverse Short [Champ contrechamp] - a TV episode on crime fiction featuring Claude Miller, Michel Serrault, Alain Corneau, Michel Audiard, and others (1981)Audio commentary on Deadly Circuit by critic Rachael Nisbet (2025)A documentary on Deadly Circuit featuring co-screenwriter Jacques Adiard, director of photography Pierre Lhomme and producer Charles Gassot (2016)A Hypnotic Fascination - an interview with filmmaker Philippe Le Guay (2016)Original theatrical trailersNewly translated English subtitles for each filmReversible sleeve featuring designs based on original postersLimited edition booklet featuring new writing by Adam Scovell and an archival interview with MillerLimited edition of 1000 copies, presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings
A director with a dark sensibility comparable to Chabrol, Claude Miller made these two twisty Polars (French Police-Noir films) with Michel Serrault (Kill the Referee), showcasing the actor in stunning performances alongside stars including Lino Ventura (Army of Shadows) and Isabelle Adjani (Possession, The Story of Adele H).In The Inquisitor cops Gallien (Ventura) and Belmont (Guy Marchand) interrogate Martinaud (Serrault), a wealthy lawyer, for the rape and murder of two young girls. The investigation becomes further complicated when his wife (Romy Schneider, Le combat dans l'ile) gives her statement A gripping thriller with intense performances, The Inquisitor was a critical and commercial success on release, nominated for 8 César Awards, winning Best Screenplay and acting prizes for Serrault and Marchand.Serrault returns in Deadly Circuit as a P.I. who becomes obsessed with the target of his investigation, a murderer (Adjani) who he follows across Europe as she moves from one victim to another. Switching gears to pitch black humour this wild crime film features both leads on top form alongside a stunning supporting cast including Stephane Audran (The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie), Macha Méril (Deep Red), Sami Frey (Bande à part), and Jean-Claude Brialy (The Bride Wore Black) among others.4K UHD & BLU-RAY DUAL FORMAT LIMITED EDITION SPECIAL FEATURES4K UHD and Blu-ray presentation of The Inquisitor, Blu-ray presentation of Deadly Circuit (3 Discs)Original uncompressed mono audioSuccess Story - a documentary on the making of The Inquisitor (2016)Interview with Claude Miller and Michel Audiard on (1981) An appreciation of the film by filmmaker Patrice Leconte (2016)Reverse Short [Champ contrechamp] - a TV episode on crime fiction featuring Claude Miller, Michel Serrault, Alain Corneau, Michel Audiard, and others (1981)Audio commentary on Deadly Circuit by critic Rachael Nisbet (2025)A documentary on Deadly Circuit featuring co-screenwriter Jacques Adiard, director of photography Pierre Lhomme and producer Charles Gassot (2016)A Hypnotic Fascination - an interview with filmmaker Philippe Le Guay (2016)Original theatrical trailersNewly translated English subtitles for each filmReversible sleeve featuring designs based on original postersLimited edition booklet featuring new writing by Adam Scovell and an archival interview with MillerLimited edition of 3000 copies, presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings
Based on the disclosures of mobster Joe Valachi, as recounted in Peter Maas' best-selling biography and at a sensational congressional hearing, The Valachi Papers tells the story of one man's brutal journey through the ranks of the Cosa Nostra, and a betrayal that would reveal the secrets of the Mob to the world. Terence Young (From Russia with Love) skilfully renders the clandestine world of violent gangsters in this stylish European co-production which benefits from thrilling action, a no-nonsense central portrayal from Charles Bronson (Breakout), and impressive ensemble performances from Lino Ventura (The Medusa Touch), Joseph Wiseman (The Garment Jungle) and Jill Ireland (The Valdez Horses). INDICATOR STANDARD EDITION SPECIAL FEATURES High Definition remasterOriginal English and Italian mono soundtracksAudio commentary with film historian Paul Talbot, author of Bronson's Loose! The Making of the 'Death Wish' Films and Bronson's Loose Again!In the Make-up Room (2021, 18 mins): celebrated make-up artist Giannetto De Rossi recalls his time working on The Valachi PapersReviewing the Evidence (2021, 35 mins) screenwriter Stephen Geller shares personal anecdotes about the productionValachi: The Violent Era (1972, 7 mins): archival making-of documentary with on-set interviews with director Terence Young and actor Charles BronsonOn-set footage (1972, 2 mins): rare behind-the-scenes material capturing the filming of a key sceneThe Valachi Hearings (1963, 18 mins): archival broadcast footage from Joseph Valachi's original testimony to Senator John L McClellan's congressional committee on organised crimeUS theatrical trailerGerman theatrical trailerUS TV spotUS radio spotImage gallery: promotional and publicity materialsNew and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearingNewly translated English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack
The most personal film by the underworld poet Jean-Pierre Melville, who had participated in the French Resistance himself, this tragic masterpiece, based on a novel by Joseph Kessel, recounts the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought in the Resistance. Lino Ventura, Paul Meurisse, Jean-Pierre Cassel, and the incomparable Simone Signoret star as intrepid underground fighters who must grapple with their conception of honor in their battle against Hitler's regime. The atmospheric and gripping thriller Army of Shadows is now widely recognized as the summit of Melville's career, channeling the exquisite minimalism of his gangster films to create an unsparing tale of defiance in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.ARMY OF SHADOWS... THE HIDDEN SIDE OF THE STORY
A wealthy industrialist murders his lover, throwing her from a train to look like suicide. Her husband, Ancelin (Lino Ventura, The Valachi Papers) seeks revenge but his endeavours leave a witness putting him in a cat-and-mouse game, thrillingly shot on the streets of Paris. This early work from Ãdouard Molinaro (La cage aux folles) adapts the novel by celebrated writers Boileau and Narcejac (Vertigo, Les diaboliques) with minimal dialogue and wrings every ounce of tension from the narrative, focusing on evocative shadows and Parisian nightlife shot by Henri Decae (Le Samourai).A wealthy industrialist murders his lover, throwing her from a train to look like suicide. Her husband, Ancelin (Lino Ventura, The Valachi Papers) seeks revenge but his endeavours leave a witness putting him in a cat-and-mouse game, thrillingly shot on the streets of Paris. This early work from Ãdouard Molinaro (La cage aux folles) adapts the novel by celebrated writers Boileau and Narcejac (Vertigo, Les diaboliques) with minimal dialogue and wrings every ounce of tension from the narrative, focusing on evocative shadows and Parisian nightlife shot by Henri Decae (Le Samourai).
Richard Burton stars as successful novelist John Morlar who believes he has 'a gift for disaster' - the power to cause death and destruction through unconscious telekinesis. When Morlar is viciously assaulted and left for dead the night of the Moon Mission disaster and a jet crash police investigating the attack quickly turn to Morlar's mysterious therapist Zonfeld (Lee Remick) in the belief that there is a link between the assault and Morlar's disturbing complex...
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John Morlar (Richard Burton - Look Back in Anger Equus) a well-known novelist is savagely attached in his London flat. Barely alive he is taken to hospital. Detective Brunel (Kino Ventura - Sword of Gideon Les Miserables) is assigned to the case. He comes across Morlar's journal which leads him to a mysterious women named Zonfeld (Lee Remick - Jennie - Lady Randolph Churchill Telefon) who is Morlar's doctor. Zonfeld discloses that her patient is obsessed. He feels he bears an awesome telekinetic power - the power to will destruction and death. He can make airplanes crash buildings crumble start raging fires and unleash mighty floods. He believes he possesses the gift of evil and dangerously demonstrates his power. What at first seems preposterous soon becomes sickeningly real. Morlar is able to wreak havoc at will. Brunel desperately wants to stop the next tragedy but can he kill this man? If released from his mortal confines how far can the power of his mind roam..? Directed by Jack Gold (The Naked Civil Servant Kavanagh QC) from a script by John Briley (Gandhi Children of the Damned) The Medusa Touch is highly-effective fast paced thriller which ends in a spectacular and spine-chilling climax. This special edition of the film is sourced from the new HD digitally restored master and is presented in its original aspect ratio. Special Features: Audio commentary with director Jack Gold Kim Newman and Stephen Jones. Destroying the Abbey: behind the scenes footage. Original Theatrical Trailer. Image Gallery.
Based on the disclosures of mobster Joe Valachi, as recounted in Peter Maas' best-selling biography and at a sensational congressional hearing, The Valachi Papers tells the story of one man's brutal journey through the ranks of the Cosa Nostra, and a betrayal that would reveal the secrets of the Mob to the world. Terence Young (From Russia with Love) skilfully renders the clandestine world of violent gangsters in this stylish European co-production which benefits from thrilling action, a no-nonsense central portrayal from Charles Bronson (Breakout), and impressive ensemble performances from Lino Ventura (The Medusa Touch), Joseph Wiseman (The Garment Jungle) and Jill Ireland (The Valdez Horses). Extras High Definition remaster Original English and Italian mono soundtracks Audio commentary with film historian Paul Talbot, author of Bronson's Loose! The Making of the Death Wish' Films and Bronson's Loose Again! (2021) New interview with make-up artist Giannetto De Rossi (2021) New interview with screenwriter Stephen Geller (2021) Valachi: The Violent Era (1972, 7 mins): archival making-of featurette with on-set interviews with Terence Young and Charles Bronson On-set Footage (1972, 2 mins): rare behind-the-scenes The Valachi Hearings (1963): selection of highlights from Joseph Valachi's testimony to Senator John L McClellan's congressional committee on organised crime Original theatrical trailer TV Spot Radio Spot Image gallery: promotional and publicity materials New and improved subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing for the English soundtrack Newly translated English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack Limited edition exclusive booklet with a new essay by Pasquale Iannone, newspaper reports on Joseph Valachi's criminal career, excerpts from the source book by Peter Maas, an overview of contemporary critical responses, and film credits UK Premiere on Blu-ray Limited edition of 3,000 copies EXTRAS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
October 1942. The German occupation of France and the fate of a group of Resistance workers in Marseille.
French black comedy in which a crime of passion goes horribly wrong when the killer gets trapped in a lift. As Julien (Maurice Ronet)'s lover Florence Carala (Jeanne Moreau) - who also happens to be the victim's wife - is out searching for him in Paris a young hood and his girl steal the killer's car complicating matters further. This was Louis Malle's first film as director and it partly set the tone for the 'new wave' to come. It is also notable for its famous jazz score improvised in one night by Miles Davis while the film was being projected.
The murders in Paris! The robbery in Rome! The double-cross in New York! Two criminals join forces to steal millions of pounds worth of jewellery which are to be shown to the public in Venice. The heist is to take place on an aircraft.
A film by Claude Sautet Highly rated by Jean-Pierre Melville, Robert Bresson and Bertrand Tavernier, and described as the greatest of all French gangster movies by the Guardian, Classe tous risques is an astonishing crime film that was the dazzling directorial debut of the influential Claude Sautet (1924-2000), better known for his later films Un Coeur en Hiver (1992) and Nelly et Monsieur Arnaud (1995) Starring the great Italian-born character actor Lino Ventura as a once-powerful Parisian...
Jacques Becker's Touchez Pas au Grisbi occupies a significant part in French cinema history. Max (Jean Gabin, La Grande Illusion) and Riton (René Dary) are two ageing gangsters who manage to pull off their final heist, a spectacular gold bullion robbery at Orly airport. All is well until Max's former girlfriend Josy (Jeanne Moreau, Jules et Jim) tips off a rival gangster, Angelo (Lino Ventura). The latter kidnaps Ritton and threatens to kill him unless Max hands over the spoils from his robbery Helping to birth the French policier, a European transposition of the fantastic American gangster films of the 1940s, Touchez Pas au Grisbi exerted a huge influence on subsequent directors such as Jean-Pierre Melville.
Jean-Pierre Melville (1917 - 1974) is one of the most revered French film directors of all time. Born in Paris he was to become a member of the French Resistance in the Second World War an experience which he drew on as a film director creating underworlds of secrecy and deception. The reluctant godfather of the French New Wave Melville''s highly individual style was influenced by the ideas of existentialism and surrealism but arguably his greatest debt was to the American film noirs of 1930s and '40s Hollywood the traditions of which he wove with inimitable style into his quintessentially French films seeing him hailed by many as the father of the French gangster movie. This set contains six of his finest films from his early bittersweet masterpiece Bob Le Flambeur to his final film Un Flic his wonderfully fatalistic study of loss and deception; a fitting epitaph to one of contemporary cinema''s most exceptional careers. Titles Comprise: Army of Shadows (1969): Regarded as one of the best films ever made about wartime France. Members of the French resistance fight for freedom in the face of constant danger. Extras: Ginette Vincendeau Commentary / Le Journal de la Resistance - a 33 minute documentary / Melville short film Le Doulos (1962): An unforgettable story of trust betrayal and honour. A criminal just free from jail goes in search of revenge. Extras: Selected Scene Commentary / Ginette Vincendeau Introduction / Interview with Assistant Director Volker Schlondorff / Original Trailer Leon Morin Pretre (1961): Unforgettable drama set in occupied France. A beautiful but disillusioned woman becomes friends with a priest but her feelings for him soon deepen dangerously. Extras: Selected Scene Commentary / Ginette Vincendeau Introduction / Interview with Assistant Director Volker Schl''ndorff / Original Trailer Le Cercle Rouge (1970): A suave jewel thief teams up with a fugitive and a reckless ex-cop to carry out an elaborate heist. Extras: Ginette Vincendeau Commentary and Introduction / Interview with Assistant Director Bernard Stora / Original Trailer Bob Le Flambeur (1956): An early foray into the gangster genre Melville's self-confessed 'love letter to Paris' follows the world-weary eponymous hero Bob a down on his luck gambler embarking on his final crime. Extras: Introduction by Melville expert Ginette Vincendeau. Un Flic (1972): A Parisian police commissioner and the leader of a gang of criminals in love with the same woman clash when a daring bank robbery takes place.
Jean-Pierre Melville's masterpiece completes his triptych about the German Occupation of France and the Resistance after Le Silence de la mer and Leon Morin, pretre. Now I have said everything about the war he told the newspaper Paris-Presse. Atmospheric and gripping, Army of Shadows is Melville's most personal film, featuring Lino Ventura, Paul Meurisse, Jean-Pierre Cassel, and the incomparable Simone Signoret as intrepid underground fighters who must grapple with their own brand of honour in their battle against Hitler's regime. Special Features: Army of Shadows - The Hidden Side of the Story Documentary Booklet on the Movie Written by Professor and Film Critic Ginette Vincendeau
Richard Burton stars as successful novelist John Morlar who believes he has 'a gift for disaster' - the power to cause death and destruction through unconscious telekinesis.When Morlar is viciously assaulted and left for dead the night of the Moon Mission disaster and a jet crash police investigating the attack quickly turn to Morlar's mysterious therapist Zonfeld (Lee Remick) in the belief that there is a link between the assault and Morlar's disturbing complex.
Jacques Becker's Touchez Pas au Grisbi occupies a significant part in French cinema history. Max (Jean Gabin, La Grande Illusion) and Riton (René Dary) are two ageing gangsters who manage to pull off their final heist, a spectacular gold bullion robbery at Orly airport. All is well until Max's former girlfriend Josy (Jeanne Moreau, Jules et Jim) tips off a rival gangster, Angelo (Lino Ventura). The latter kidnaps Ritton and threatens to kill him unless Max hands over the spoils from his robbery Helping to birth the French policier, a European transposition of the fantastic American gangster films of the 1940s, Touchez Pas au Grisbi exerted a huge influence on subsequent directors such as Jean-Pierre Melville.
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