The Last Metro (1980)

As the chilling winds of 1942 blow through the Nazi-occupied streets of Paris, the city's theaters remain a beacon of warmth and resiliency. Among them stands the Montmartre, once under the stewardship of the esteemed Jewish director Lucas Steiner, now a fugitive from the horrors of persecution and the looming shadow of concentration camps. The theater's torch has been passed to his gentile wife, Marion Steiner, the lead actress, who now owns the theatre and fights to keep its heart beating. While the world outside crumbles, the Montmartre is preparing for a new production called "The Disappearance," a haunting echo of Lucas' own fate. The play, meticulously directed by Lucas' understudy, Jean-Loup Cottins, breathes life into the director's absent presence through the notes he left behind. As the lead actors, Marion and the newcomer Bernard Granger, a man with a voracious appetite for passion yet seemingly indifferent towards Marion, throw themselves into their roles, they form an alliance that transcends the stage. However, beneath the surface of their professional camaraderie, Marion and Bernard are each concealing secrets tied to the war, secrets that, once unearthed, stir an emotional whirlwind that adds a new depth to their on-stage chemistry. Yet, the most startling revelation lurks in the shadows of the theatre itself - Lucas Steiner, believed to be miles away, is actually hiding in the basement, a silent observer to the art that continues to flourish amidst the chaos. "The Last Metro" is a poignant exploration of art and life, a testament to the power of theater as a sanctuary for human spirit in the face of adversity, and a tribute to those who carry on in the face of overwhelming odds, daring to create when the world around them threatens to destroy.

The Last Metro is a drama movie featuring Catherine Deneuve.

The Last Metro is currently streaming on Criterion Channel and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy The Last Metro on Amazon Video and Apple TV.