Le Corbeau
Le Corbeau

Le Corbeau

1943Movie92 minFrench

Remy Germain is a doctor in a French town who becomes the focus of a vicious smear campaign, as letters accusing him of having an affair and performing unlawful abortions are mailed to village leaders. The mysterious writer, who signs each letter as "Le Corbeau" (The Raven) soon targets the whole town, exposing everyone's dark secrets.

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IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes96%
Director: Henri-Georges ClouzotGenres: Mystery, Thriller, Film-Noir

Plot Summary

In a small French town, anonymous poison pen letters begin to circulate, sowing seeds of suspicion and discord among the residents. The letters, signed 'Le Corbeau' (The Raven), target individuals with scandalous and damaging accusations, leading to paranoia and a desperate investigation by the town doctor. As the anonymous attacks escalate, the community spirals into chaos, revealing dark secrets and festering resentments.

Critical Reception

Despite its controversial nature and temporary ban, 'Le Corbeau' is widely regarded as a masterpiece of French cinema. Critics praised its tense atmosphere, sharp psychological insights, and Clouzot's masterful direction. While initially suppressed for its perceived damage to French morale during the Occupation, it later gained recognition for its incisive critique of provincial life and human nature.

What Reviewers Say

  • A chillingly suspenseful and psychologically complex thriller.
  • Masterfully directed with a palpable sense of paranoia and dread.
  • A biting social commentary disguised as a mystery.

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Fun Fact

During the German Occupation of France, the film was banned by both the occupying authorities and the Vichy regime due to its depiction of a French community turning on itself, which was seen as damaging to national morale. It was only re-released after the liberation of France in 1945.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Made in France slap bang in the middle of WWII, this is a gripping tale of small town mentality and duplicity. Some character called "The Raven" is sending some pretty nasty poisoned-pen letters to the folks in the village of 'St. Robin". I...
John Chard

John Chard

The ink which makes blood flow. Le Corbeau is directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot and co-written by Clouzot and Henri Chavance. It stars Pierre Fresnay, Ginette Leclerc, Pierre Larquey and Micheline Francey. Music is by Tony Aubin and cin...
John Chard

John Chard

The ink which makes blood flow. Le Corbeau is directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot and co-written by Clouzot and Henri Chavance. It stars Pierre Fresnay, Ginette Leclerc, Pierre Larquey and Micheline Francey. Music is by Tony Aubin and cine...