La Peur (1936) - film review

Irène is a happily married middle-aged woman.  She has an adoring husband and young children she dotes on.  In a moment of boredom whilst on holiday, she falls for the charms of a handsome young pianist, Jean.  He, in turn, becomes obsessed with her, and they embark on a whirlwind romance.  Irène soon comes to her senses and, realising what she stands to lose, returns to her family home as if nothing had happened.  Jean tries to see her, insistent that he cannot let her go, but she refuses to continue the relationship.  Then an unknown woman approaches her.  She appears to know something of her affair with Jean.  Fearful, Irène willingly hands over money to her to keep her quiet.  She will resort to anything to keep from her husband the truth of her infidelity…

Russian émigré and cineaste of some repute Viktor Tourjansky directed this taut melodrama, one of the filmmaker’s more conventional, more naturalistic films.  Les spectacular than his historical dramas, La Peur bears the hallmarks of Tourjansky’s distinctive cinematic approach – strong performances from the lead actors and suitably atmospheric chiaroscuro photography (which is suggestive of early film noir).  With its intimate depiction of family life, the film has a sense of realism that is quite rare in cinema of this period.   The film features Gaby Morlay in one of her most memorable roles, a stunning portrayal of a woman who tries desperately to hold her life together when mid-life crisis strikes.

© James Travers 2007

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