Der Sträfling und die Witwe

This movie is a miscast for both Signoret and Delon. I can understand that Signoret, needed the money and took this option. THere is nothing wrong with that. As for Alain Delon, who performed in "Cercle Rouge" made in the previous year, by Jean-Pierre Melville. This is an almost a replay. And a bad one. Mr. Pierre Grasnier Deferre is a second (if not third) rate French Director. I never read the novel by Simenon. I do not believe he is the culprit, but I admit I can be wrong. You want more lines. Here They are. Octavia Piccolo has a child and breast feeds him. The movie shows Virgin nipples. Pierre Grasnier Defferre never knew a virgin. Maybe he likes widows. Nothing wrong.

The person who wrote that she (?) thought that, perhaps, no one in America had seen this film is wrong! I saw it in Los Angeles when it first came out, in the early '70s. Granted, it did not leave a great impression upon me. What left a great impression upon me was, bien sur, the wonderful Alain Delon. Sigh. Sorry! Can't help it! I will remember everything he was in until the day I die! After seeing this film, I remember afterwards, recollecting the scenes with him and the younger gal with whom he was dallying, and thinking, "That actress should PAY to play that role!" Again, sorry! Of course, Signoret was fantastic, as she always was.

Simenon adaptation, it is remarkable for the lead actors performance. for the images from a France who seems be lost today. for the force of message. and, sure, for the silence slices. a beautiful film, splendid artistic duel between Simone Signoret and Alain Delon, bitter, cold, fragile, delicate, demonstration of high talent and wise discover of story nuances. a young man, a middle age widow and few days. a love story in different form , not just as forbidden one but as image of a fundamental change. one of films who can seduce the viewer not for story or for acting but for something who defines the frame of details. a reflection support. and one of really good acting demonstrations.

If you enjoy French movies ie moody, atmospheric and slow burn then you should enjoy this. Solid performances by everyone.

This is my favourite from Pierre Granier Deferre, besides LA HORSE, LE TRAIN and LE CHAT. The story itself, the topic is not so unusual, only the character study and relationship is riveting. Watch out for the lines between Simone Signoret and Alain Delon, before the other film they make together two years later: LES GRANGES BRULEES. This movie is adapted from a George Simenon's book, which I have never read, but this film is poignant, sad, downbeat, in the seventies fashion. Simone Signoret is here at her peak, as powerful as she was in LE CHAT, the very same year, this mature lady, so rough from the outside, who refuses to admit her love for Delon. Two so different people, the escaped convict and the widow, surrounded by nasty folks who don't understand them and wish them the worst. Two aginst the whole world. So subtle, everything unsaid is more convincing than any words or even acts. A strong story telling.