La Mort De Belle (aka The Passion Of Slow Fire) (1961)

Set in Switzerland, a sexually repressed school teacher (Jean Desailly) lives quietly with his wife (Monique Melinand). They take in a visiting American girl (Alexandra Stewart) for two weeks, the daughter of the wife's American friend (Louisa Colpeyn). When the girl is found murdered, their lives are turned upside down. Based on the novel by Georges Simenon with a screenplay by Jean Anouilh (THE MADWOMAN OF CHAILLOT) and directed by Edouard Molinaro (LA CAGE AUX FOLLES). I love coming across a terrific film that I had very little knowledge of and this dark crime drama is a real jewel. A succinct, self examining narrative that keeps us on the edge before it suddenly spirals down the rabbit hole and our worst suspicions are confirmed. Desailly's ambiguous performance is superb and he's supported by a perfect supporting cast. The score is by George Delerue (JULES AND JIM). Worth seeking out! With Jacques Monod, Marc Cassot, Yvette Etievant and Yves Robert.