La Tradition de minuit
La Tradition de minuit

Movie spotlight

La Tradition de minuit

1939
Movie
102 min
French

Five people are gathered in a cafe because of a phone call they have all received. The plot thickens when they discover a dead body in a bedroom upstairs.The five people all become suspects.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Maurice TourneurGenres: Drama, Mystery, Film-Noir

Plot Summary

A doctor's wife is suspected of murder when her lover is found dead. She claims to have amnesia regarding the night of the crime. As the investigation unfolds, her husband and the police try to piece together the events, uncovering secrets and a complex web of relationships. The film delves into themes of deception, memory, and the darkness hidden beneath a respectable facade.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, "La Tradition de minuit" was met with a generally positive critical reception, appreciated for its atmospheric direction by Maurice Tourneur and its suspenseful narrative. While not a major box office success, it is now recognized as a significant contribution to French cinema, particularly within the burgeoning film-noir genre. Audience reception was solid, appreciating the mystery and the performances.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric and moody direction.

  • Commended for its suspenseful plot and classic film-noir elements.

  • The performances of the lead actors were highlighted as strong.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this older film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

Maurice Tourneur, the director, was a pioneer in French cinema and also had a notable career in Hollywood during the silent film era before returning to France.

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