Daybreak

Jean Gabin (La Grande Illusion, Le Quai des brumes) stars as the working-class François who has committed a terrible crime. Holed up in a claustrophobic flat, over the course of a long night he reflects on the oppressive circumstances – a love affair with young florist Francoise (Jacqueline Laurent); the knowledge that she is under the damaging spell of the sinister Valentin (Jules Berry); and a fling with Clara (Arletty), Valentin’s assistant – that have led him, inexorably, to murder. (Independent Cinema Office)