Der Sträfling und die Witwe

"La Veuve Couderc" comes on a disc that also includes one of Alain Delon's very best films, "Diaboliquement Vôtre"-- truly terrific suspense film. While "Le Veuve Couderc" is not nearly as good, as long as you're watching one of the films, you may as well watch the other. However, just be forewarned that "Le Veuve Couderc" is MUCH slower and may be too slow for some audiences.

The film begins with a middle-aged woman (Simon Signoret) being assisted by a traveler (Alain Delon) to carry her new incubator back to the farm. He asks if she has more work and she hires him without knowing more about the man. The widow turns out to be a rather sad character with a sad past--though she doesn't dwell on this. She also has some in-laws that give her no end of trouble. What about Delon? See the film and find out more about the stranger.

As I mentioned above, the film is pretty slow. It's well acted BUT perhaps the acting is, at times, a bit too muted. I would have loved some more energy in the film. This doesn't mean you shouldn't watch. It also didn't help that you didn't feel much connection with the characters.

By the way, although you probably won't care, the history teacher in me was a bit annoyed because Félicie's hairstyle is NOT period--she looked to be from much later. It's a little thing but I am surprised they didn't catch this.

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.

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.

Pierre Granier Deferre is a famous director of thriller films.Apart from scoring admirable box office success most of his films have also been hailed by critics.In the history of French cinema it can be said that "La Veuve Couderc" will be hailed as one of the most successful adaptations of a George Simenon novel.It is a film in which nothing is left to chance.As there is a strong emphasis on the portrayal of characters both small and large,we get to see some remarkable acting performances.Much of the film's brilliance comes from its portrayal of a French village.It is a nice thing that Pierre Granier Deferre has covered every minute detail of French provincial life.Alain Delon and Simone Signoret appear wonderful as ill fated lovers who revolt against old fashioned values of French society.La Veuve Couderc is a film for those people who value the importance of love.In many ways it is similar to Ali fear eats the soul directed by Fassbinder.

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.