La terreur des Batignolles

The Terror of Batignolles is a short comedy that is of interest today only because it is the directorial debut of Henri-Georges Clouzot, one of France's greatest directors. However, seeing as how it was made 11 years before he directed his first feature, one ought to approach this movie with some caution. While this is not a great movie, it is at least an agreeable trifle. It starts out creakily enough. A burglar, the possibly self-proclaimed Terror of Batignolles (Batignolles is a Neighborhood in Paris -- thanks Wikipedia!), is seen breaking into an apartment. He is nervous and is spooked by various objects inside and outside the apartment. The gags here are pretty weak and as there is no dialogue, it comes across like a silent two reeler with synchronized music and sound effects. Things improve as a couple (identified only as He and She in the imdb credits) enter the apartment. Now finally there is some dialogue and a couple genuine laughs.

A contemporary watching this film would not have known that the director was destined for greatness, but Clouzot handles his duties competently enough and it is a mystery why it took so long for him to be allowed to start making features.

I expected something different, after reading the scheme, the plot. I expected something darker, more gloomy. But I am not deceived though, because the directing is solid and the story inventive for this early thirties period. And the best reason to watch it is the director himself: Henri Georges Clouzot. From another film maker, it would have remained an interesting little gem. This kind of plot is still modern; even now, in 2025, we still see such kind of stories, but made in a total different way.

I adore Henri-Georges Clouzot. So glad his first short film did not disappoint, like so many other beginning works from the future prolific auteurs do. Impressive, in fact, for a short. Storytelling elements already impressive, with it's almost poetic ending. More comedic elements here proportionately than any later feature films. Limited dialogue; the first few minutes are played out like a silent film; a good one, actually, complete with some slapstick and cute kitties scaring the great "Terror". Obviously a low budget film, but excellent nonetheless!

Henri-Georges Clouzot's prelude to greatness.