France, 1938
Director: Marcel Carné
Producer: Gregor Rabinovitch
Cast: Jean Gabin, Michèle Morgan, Michel Simon
Screenwriter: Jacques Prévert
Based on the novel by Pierre Mac Orlan
Cinematography: Eugen Schüfftan
Music: Maurice Jaubert
Genre: Drama
Black & White
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Language: French with English subtitles
Running Time: 91 minutes
Synopsis:
When Jean (Jean Gabin), a deserter from the Colonial Army, hitchhikes his way into Le Havre, he’s only looking for a place to hide until he book ship’s passage. He never expects to become embroiled in a dispute between local “tough” guy Lucien (Pierre Brasseur) and wealthy but shady shopkeeper Zabel (Michel Simon). Nor does he expect to fall in love with the beautiful Nelly (Michèle Morgan), who Zabel also “keeps.” What was supposed to be a stopover on his way to a better life turns into a fight against petty jealousies, buried obsessions, and unpleasant pasts. One of Marcel Carné’s most revered films, Port of Shadows explores the foggier aspects of identity, love, and the possibility, or perhaps impossibility, of escape.
Awards and Recognition:
Best Foreign Film (Academy Awards, 1939)
Prix Louis Delluc, 1938
Prix Méliès, 1938
Grand Prix du Cinema Français, 1939
Special Recommendation for the Direction of Port of Shadows (Venice Film Festival, 1938)
