Rendez-vous à Paris

Gilles Grangier's thrillers have been reassessed by the late Bertrand Tavernier ; "rendez-vous à Paris"is not a thriller yet ,but this little comedy which unexpectedly turns melodrama in its last third ,is not devoid of charm.

Consequently,two thirds of the movie are thoroughly enjoyable, perfect Saturday-night-at -the-movie film of the forties ; the hero is some kind of Arsene Lupin,a crook but a gentleman , played by Claude Dauphin with elegance ; the action takes place in the first hour on a luxury liner which must have made the audience dream at a time cruises were reserved for the chic elite ; and the ladies all wear invaluable jewels !

As always in these comedies ,the supporting actors often steal the show from the star ; Marguerite Moreno is irresistible as the chanteuse's singing teacher with such lines as "Ah !if the police were women !" (in 1947 , female cops were unknown in France)Jean Tissier,true to form ,is the perfect thief 's accomplice .

The last third, as I wrote above, is less successful,but Dauphin's photo albums is really a good idea .