Marie Octobre (1959)

15 years after WWII, a woman (Danielle Darrieux) who had been part of the underground resistance movement in France gathers the nine surviving members and a housekeeper (Jeanne Fusier Gir) who were all present the night the Gestapo invaded their gathering which resulted in the killing of the group's leader. It appears one of them was a traitor who informed on them. But who? Based on the novel by Jacques Robert and directed by Julien Duvivier (PEPE LE MOKO). Although based on a novel, the movie feels like a filmed play. The entire dialog driven film takes place on one set and Duvivier and his cinematographer Robert Lefebvre (CASQUE D'OR) often frame the action in long shot as if we're watching a play. In style, it reminds me of an Agatha Christie mystery with all the suspects in one room and suspicion falling on all of them as it plays out. Curiously, there's a TV playing in the background with a wrestling match on that Duvivier cuts to often. Why I can't guess! I enjoyed it though I suspect many would find it too talky and not cinematic enough. With Serge Reggiani, Lino Ventura, Bernard Blier, Paul Frankeur, Paul Meurisse, Daniel Ivernel, Paul Guers, Robert Dalban and Noel Roquevert.