Movie spotlight
Thus Finishes the Night
In the train that takes her back home, Catheine Beryl meets concert pianist André Fuger, a childhood friend of her husband's. The musician is both good-looking and seductive and Catherine soon falls for his charms. The two young people spend the evening and the following night together. The next day, a lost powder compact gives the affair away. At a loss, Catherine runs away from her husband but she has an accident. When she regains consciousness in her hospital bed, Catherine finds Georges, her husband, by her side, pretending nothing has happened.
Insights
Plot Summary
A war veteran, haunted by his past and struggling to adjust to civilian life, becomes entangled in a dangerous smuggling operation. He falls for a femme fatale who draws him deeper into a criminal underworld, leading to escalating violence and moral compromise. As he tries to escape the consequences of his choices, he finds himself trapped in a web of deceit and betrayal.
Critical Reception
Considered a lesser-known but effective example of film noir, 'Thus Finishes the Night' is often praised for its atmospheric direction and compelling performances, particularly from Richard Basehart. While not as celebrated as some of its contemporaries, it's recognized for its gritty portrayal of post-war disillusionment and its taut narrative.
What Reviewers Say
A moody and atmospheric noir with strong performances.
Effectively captures the post-war sense of disillusionment.
A solid, albeit somewhat formulaic, crime drama.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this film, but those available suggest an appreciation for its noir elements and a solid, if not groundbreaking, story.
Fun Fact
The film was originally titled 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' but was changed to avoid confusion with the Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name.
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