Faubourg Montmartre (1937): A Quiet French Gem Worth Finding

Alright, so, "Faubourg Montmartre"? Yeah, it’s worth tracking down if you’re into older French cinema, especially those quiet, character-driven pieces from the 30s. Folks who appreciate a slow, deliberate pace and don't mind a lack of big explosions will probably enjoy it a lot. If you need constant action or everything spelled out for you, you might find it a bit of a drag.

This movie follows two sisters, Arlette and Ginette, trying to make it in the Faubourg Montmartre district of Paris. It’s a place that feels vibrant but also a little dangerous, a mix of honest work and, well, less honest opportunities.

Right from the start, you get this strong sense of their closeness. They share a small room, their lives are just intertwined, you know? It's really central to everything that happens.

Florelle, as Arlette, she’s got this weary but determined look about her. Like she’s seen a bit too much but still holding on. Ginette, played by Ketty Pierson, is the younger, more impressionable one. You can see the worry on Arlette's face whenever Ginette gets a little too wide-eyed about some new person or idea.

There's this scene early on, just them eating a meal, and the way they talk, the quick glances, it just *feels* real. No big dramatic speeches, just sisters.

The film doesn't rush anything. It really takes its time showing their daily grind, the small victories and the creeping anxieties. You can almost feel the chill in their apartment during winter scenes. 🥶

Charles Vanel pops up as this character, Dédé, who’s clearly trouble. He’s got this smooth, almost charming way about him, but his eyes... they kinda betray something else. There’s a quiet menace there.

One moment stuck with me: Ginette gets a job at a dress shop, and for a bit, things seem to look up. The way she carries herself, a little bit more confident, a little less worried. It's a subtle change, but very noticeable.

But then, life. Always life. You see the temptations, the pressure. How easy it would be to slip into something easier, even if it’s morally grey. The movie doesn't judge them for thinking about it, just shows *why* they might.

The Parisian streets themselves are a character here. Not in a postcard way, but in a lived-in, slightly gritty fashion. You hear the street noises, the conversations, it's all part of the fabric.

The pacing, for some, might be an issue. It's definitely a slow burn. But that’s what lets you sink into their world. You start to understand their choices, even when you might not agree with them.

There’s a confrontation towards the end, and it’s not loud or explosive. It’s more about the unspoken words, the heavy silences. You can almost *feel* the weight of their decisions hanging in the air. 😶

And Antonin Artaud is in this! Just a small part, but it’s him. Kinda neat to spot. He plays a gangster, I think? Very intense, even in a brief appearance.

The film avoids a lot of the usual melodrama you might expect from a story like this. It keeps things pretty grounded. It’s not trying to be a grand statement, just a slice of life, really.

Ultimately, it’s a film about resilience, about the bond between sisters, and how hard it is to stay on a straight path when the world keeps throwing curveballs. It feels very human.

It sticks with you, this quiet little film. Not because of any big twists, but because you start to care about Arlette and Ginette. You hope they find their way.

Didja notice?

• The light in their shared room changes throughout the day, a simple effect but really powerful.
• One of the background actors in the market scene just keeps staring directly into the camera for a solid five seconds. A little distracting.
• The way Arlette holds Ginette’s hand when they're walking, even when they're older. It's a small thing.
• The sound of the streetcars feels very authentic to the period.
• Someone leaves a hat on a table, and it just stays there for several scenes, almost like a forgotten character.
• The ending isn't tied up with a neat bow, which is actually kinda refreshing.