Directed by Julien Duvivier
1937
Doesn't this guy have the best name ever? If that was my name I would be a thief too. The guy really doesn't have a choice...
This film is about the pursuit of Pepe le Moko, a thief who resides in Casbah but longs for Paris. Pepe is played by the unequaled Jean Gabin, who we previously saw in La Grande Illusion. He has a certain careless charisma about him that is incredibly charming. Anyway, this film was a major precursor to film noir because of its use of shadows, femme fatales, and fast talking, street wise guys (the latter being a personal observation).
So I really liked it. Not many films take place in Casbah (quick, name one!), and watching the background was just as interesting as watching Pepe's exploits. Pepe is a really relatable character; I think we all have a special place in the world that we are drawn to, even at a danger to ourselves.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
Walter Wanger remade this film and tried to get all copies of this movie destroyed. He failed. Stupid Americans!
I just watched Inglourious Basterds the other day and it was amazing! Check it out!
Trailer:
