La Chienne (1931)

In the shadowy corners of 1931 Paris, Maurice Legrand, a humble company cashier with dreams of painting, lives under the thumb of his domineering wife, Adèle. A woman of caustic temperament, she subjects him to relentless abuse, threatening to discard his art, the only solace in his drab existence. A chance encounter with André "Dédé" Jauguin and Lucienne "Lulu" Pelletier after a company celebration changes his life. Witnessing Dédé's violent treatment of Lulu, Maurice steps in, rescuing the young woman and unwittingly stepping into a complex web of deceit and manipulation. Lulu, a streetwalker with a heart hardened by her profession, convinces Maurice that Dédé is her protective brother, masking the harsh reality of his role as her pimp. Maurice, taken in by Lulu's vulnerability, rents an apartment for her, becoming her benefactor and lover. His paintings find a new home in this sanctuary, away from Adèle's destructive disdain. However, this peaceful interlude is soon shattered as Dédé, spotting an opportunity, sells the artworks under the false pretense that they're the creations of 'Claire Bloom', Lulu's alter ego, to an unsuspecting art dealer for a hefty sum. When Maurice unexpectedly encounters Adèle's supposedly deceased former husband, he crafts a cunning plan to free himself from her clutches. His scheme successfully executed, he stumbles upon the shocking reality of Lulu and Dédé's relationship. Humiliated and heartbroken as Lulu reveals her true feelings for Dédé and her mercenary interest in him, Maurice is driven to a point of no return. The aftermath of Maurice's transformative journey through love, betrayal, and desperation unfolds with chilling suspense, leaving the audience wondering about his fate. The grim realities of the Parisian underworld and the fragile dreams of a man caught in its snares make 'La Chienne' a compelling exploration of human nature's darker shades.

La Chienne is a crime movie featuring Michel Simon.

La Chienne is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy La Chienne on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.