Le duel

A woman commits suicide because her lover was about to leave her for another man. The husband, a former 1914-1918 flying ace, finds her lover's name in the deceased's bag.

De Baroncelli's precedent movie "la femme du voisin" also began with a suicide, but it was a fake one ; this one is real ; most of the movies with such a beginning are followed by a long flashback ;this one is ,as the title indicates ,a duel , even two duels ;also the womanizer ,whose reputation is as bad as his prowess as a pilot are praised :"he rises when he ascends ".

Although the movie takes time to take off, the first duel ,in spite of implausibilities (no hint at thirst , at the blistering sun ,in the middle of the desert), is a very good idea; the widower ,who seeks revenge ,makes it a point of honor to do so;; both will go,in opposite directions,and this will be a Divine Judgment.

Although he's a fortune -hunter -he wants to marry his cousin,a wealthy heiress -, the unpleasant pilot is also a man with a sense of honor;hence his last message .

Although silent , "le duel" can still grab today's audience,in spite of its old-fashione d values.