LE JOUR SE LEVE (’39): Legendary example of poetic realism, with Jean Gabin holed up after a murder, revealing how he got there thru series of flashbacks. Gabin breaks the cool scale. Tough life, passing on Arletty to pine for Jacqueline Laurent, who couldn’t be more ethereal. No shortage of atmosphere. That last scene is incredible, and really sticks with you. (Bonus: naked Arletty! How dare you censor that, Vichy government.) #frenchfilm #30sfilms #poeticrealism

ANNE-MARIE (’36): Despite streaming on #CriterionChannel, this is a fairly obscure #frenchfilm -less than 100 votes on IMDB. A cute comedy/adventure with a group of oddball guys (who call each other by names like The Peasant and The Lover) taking the charming Annabella under their wing, literally, teaching her to become a pilot. Some nice style imparted, and good drama in the finale as the guys race to save Annabella. #30sfilms