La Fin du Jour [The End of the Day] **** (Victor Francen, Michel Simon, Madeleine Ozeray, Louis Jouvet) – Classic Movie Review 13,949

Julien Duvivier’s enthralling 1939 French drama film La Fin du Jour [The End of the Day] about the clashes and relationships in a home for elderly thespians is a great excuse for splendid vintage acting from Louis Jouvet, Michel Simon and Victor Francen.

Co-writer/ director Julien Duvivier’s enthralling, delightfully entertaining, beautifully written 1939 French talk piece drama film La Fin du Jour [The End of the Day] about the clashes and relationships in an actors’ home for elderly thespians threatened with closure is a great excuse for an eyeful of splendid vintage French acting from Louis Jouvet, Michel Simon and Victor Francen.

It showcases especially touching performances from Michel Simon as Cabrissade, a truculent old actor with an affection for young men, who it turns out hadn’t risen above being an understudy, and Louis Jouvet as Raphaël Saint Clair, an adored white-haired thespian looking back with regrets but looking forward to seducing the café servant Jeanette (Madeleine Ozeray), and Victor Francen as Marny, always quick to take offence.

The screenplay by Julien Duvivier and Charles Spaak is splendidly detailed, intelligent, thoughtful and moving. And, arguably, it is probably Duvivier’s best film (though Pépé le Moko (1937) is another strong contender).

Cast: Louis Jouvet, Michel Simon, Victor Francen, Madeleine Ozeray, Arthur Devere, Gabrielle Dorziat, Sylvie, Charles Granval, Gaston Modot, François Perier, Odette Talazac.

Release date: 24 March 1939.

Running time: 99 minutes.

Julien Duvivier (8 October 1896 – 29 October 1967) is remembered for La belle équipe (1936), Pépé le Moko (1937), Panique [Panic] (1946), The Little World of Don Camillo (1952) and Diabolically Yours (1967).

© Derek Winnert 2026 – Classic Movie Review 13,949

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