La Fin Du Jour (1939)

An aging, self centered stage actor named Saint Clair (Louis Jouvet) decides to retire but since he has no money, he is forced to go to an old age home for actors in the country. Among the residents of the home is an actor (Victor Francen) whose deceased wife had an affair with Saint Clair and died shortly afterward under mysterious circumstances. Co-written and directed by Julien Duvivier (PEPE LE MOKO). Although critically acclaimed in its day, LA FIN DU JOUR doesn't seem to be discussed very often when talking about great French cinema. It's a lovely film which creates an accurate milieu of aging actors but fortunately, although you can sense Duvivier's affection for the actors, he doesn't go all sentimental on us. Indeed, in spite of the humor in the film, the narrative follows a darker path than the movie's lighter beginnings would suggest. The inconsiderate aren't redeemed, the perennial understudy doesn't get his big chance and even in death, the cruel truth takes precedence over kindness. The film never goes where you think it's going, taking unexpected turns instead. It's an ensemble film and the performances are all quite good. With Michel Simon and Madeleine Ozeray.