Drama,Crime,Comedy
France
The Crime of Monsieur Lange is a 1936 French film directed by Jean Renoir. It is a satirical look at the establishment and foreshadows the political turmoil that would lead to the Popular Front.
The film centers around Amedee Lange, a mild-mannered bookkeeper who works for the tyrannical and corrupt publishing house owner Batala. When Batala absconds with company funds, Lange and his coworkers form a cooperative, which becomes a success. However, Batala resurfaces and threatens their livelihood, leading to a deadly confrontation.
Valentine, Lange's lover, becomes the film's narrator, guiding the viewer through the story and providing insight into the characters' motivations. The film's light-hearted tone belies its serious political message about the need for solidarity and resistance in the face of oppressive capitalism.
The ensemble cast includes many actors who would become Renoir regulars, such as Marcel Dalio and Julien Carette, as well as newcomer actress Florelle, who delivers a striking performance as the pragmatic Valentine.
The Crime of Monsieur Lange has become a classic of French cinema and a must-see for anyone interested in the political and social history of pre-World War II France.
