In fact, make that three heavy-hitters, if you include Georges Simenon, on whose book this film is based. The acting, as you would expect, is top-notch, and the themes at the core of the film are interesting (how far could a person go when their love is not reciprocated? How far can you push someone by your sheer indifference to their feelings?). However, "La vérité Sur Bébé Donge" is way overlong and much too verbose; the entire 15 minutes with the "matchmaker" at the start, for example, could have been chopped off. By the end, you can see very clearly what this film was trying to accomplish; the problem is that it takes the country road getting there. ** out of 4.

Prolific writer Georges Simenon has understandably been a fertile source for film-makers and this is the third film directed by Henri Decoin based upon one of his novels. This is indisputably one of this directors most accomplished films and provides strong roles for two of France's finest, Jean Gabin and Danielle Darrieux, formerly married to Decoin. By means of flashbacks this harsh and cynical piece chronicles a marriage that is doomed from the outset as Bebe has married for love whilst Francois has done so for convenience. He continues to have mistresses most of whom are cheating on their husbands. The couple have a child that proves to be no compensation to her and in order to end her unhappiness she resorts to drastic measures. Even though Francois reveals his true feelings for her it is too late for them both........ One of Simenon's strengths is of course his acute psychological penetration which raises this story above the level of 'pure melodrama'. The performances are splendid and one is especially impressed with Gabin who excels as a thoroughly detestable character whose 'redemption' at the end would be risible in the hands of a lesser actor. The transformation of Bebe from joyous young bride to embittered wife is beautifully depicted by Mlle Darrieux. Mention must also be made of Grand Dame Gabrielle Dorziat as a society 'matchmaker'. Superlative production values, fabulous cinematography by Leonce-Henri Burel and a haunting score by Jean-Jacques Grunenwald all contribute to a film that is both classy and first class.

Prolific writer Georges Simenon has understandably been a fertile source for film makers and this is the third film directed by Henri Decoin based upon one of his novels. This is indisputably one of this directors most accomplished films and provides strong roles for two of France's finest, Jean Gabin and Danielle Darrieux, formerly married to Decoin. By means of flashbacks this harsh and cynical piece chronicles a marriage that is doomed from the outset as Bebe has married for love whilst Francois has done so for convenience. He continues to have mistresses most of whom are cheating on their husbands. The couple have a child that proves to be no compensation to her and in order to end her unhappiness she resorts to drastic measures. Even though Francois reveals his true feelings for her it is too late for them both........ One of Simenon's strengths is of course his acute psychological penetration which raises this story above the level of 'pure melodrama'. The performances are splendid and one is especially impressed with Gabin who excels as a thoroughly detestable character whose 'redemption' at the end would be risible in the hands of a lesser actor. The transformation of Bebe from joyous young bride to embittered wife is beautifully depicted by Mlle Darrieux. Mention must also be made of Grand Dame Gabrielle Dorziat as a society 'matchmaker'. Superlative production values, fabulous cinematography by Leonce-Henri Burel and a haunting score by Jean-Jacques Grunenwald all contribute to a film that is both classy and first class.