The Murderer Lives at Number 21

In this gripping French thriller, Inspector Wens is tasked with investigating a series of brutal murders attributed to the elusive serial killer "Monsieur Durand." The investigation leads him to a boarding house at number 21, where he suspects the killer resides among the eccentric tenants. Posing as a down-on-his-luck preacher, Wens infiltrates the house to gather clues and unmask the murderer before they can strike again.

The Murderer Lives at Number 21 is highly regarded as an early masterpiece of French suspense, praised for its taut direction, atmospheric tension, and clever plot twists. It established Henri-Georges Clouzot as a master of the thriller genre and remains a significant film in the history of crime cinema.

• Praised for its suspenseful atmosphere and intricate mystery.

• Clouzot's early directorial skill is evident in the film's pacing and tension.

• A classic example of French film noir, showcasing dark themes and a compelling investigation.

Google audience: Audience reception is largely positive, with viewers appreciating the film's clever plot and suspenseful execution, often citing it as a benchmark in early crime thrillers.

The film was shot during the German occupation of France, and the themes of mystery and suspense were a subtle, yet appreciated, form of escapism for audiences at the time.