The Lower Depths (1935)

Synopsis: Describing the subject of Maxim Gorky's classic play as "the poetry of the loss of dignity," Jean Renoir was commenting on a widespread phenomenon in the 1930s. THE LOWER DEPTHS stars Louis Jouvet as the Baron, an aristocrat who has just... Describing the subject of Maxim Gorky's classic play as "the poetry of the loss of dignity," Jean Renoir was commenting on a widespread phenomenon in the 1930s. THE LOWER DEPTHS stars Louis Jouvet as the Baron, an aristocrat who has just been cashiered from his official post for embezzling. Arriving at home one day, the Baron catches burglar Pepel (Jean Gabin) practicing his profession, but since he has not stolen anything, the two men have dinner together. Then, since the Baron has been evicted, he decides go with Pepel to his run-down abode. A magnet for misfits, the flophouse guest list includes the Actor (Robert Le Vigan), who jumps around vigorously while playing an accordion; Le Veillard (Robert Genin), an alcoholic philosopher; the place's thuggish proprietor, Kostileff (Vladimir Sokoloff); and his blowsy girlfriend, Vasilissa (Suzy Prim). She's been carrying on with Pepel, but he begins to lose interest when she suggests that he kill Kostileff. While the Actor carefully plans his suicide, Pepel ends up killing Kostileff anyway, simultaneously fending off an attack on Vasilissa's sister, Natacha (June Astor). It's a typical day in the flophouse. The great Louis Jouvet gives a brilliant performance, while Renoir's sinuous tracking and deep-focus photography define the complicated relationships within the group. [More]

Starring: Jean Gabin, Suzy Prim, Louis Jouvet, Jany Holt

Starring: Jean Gabin, Suzy Prim, Louis Jouvet, Jany Holt, Vladimir Sokoloff, June Astor

Director: Jean Renoir

Director: Jean Renoir

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