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Henri-Georges Clouzot's 1955 French thriller Diabolique
is the epitome of noir. As a twisted plot unravels, the scene
is set for murder and deceit. The Devils (a.k.a. Les Diaboliques)
live at a rundown boys home with Michel Delasalle (Paul Meurisse)
as the cruel headmaster treating the students with disdain and
indignity. His wife, Christina Delasalle (played by Véra
Clouzot), an ex-nun and owner of the school before their marriage,
experiences the brunt of his abuse. He humiliates Christina in
front of the student body and faculty and then flaunts his insidious
affairs in front of her. Christina rebels quietly, although her
heart condition leaves her vulnerable and too fragile to resist
her husband's brute strength. Ironically, it is Michel's mistress
Nicole Horner (Simone Signoret), another teacher at the school,
who encourages Christina to plot a sinister revenge against him.
As the abuse continues, "Cricri" is forced to make a
decision as she realizes her husband will never grant her a divorce
and give up the school. Since both divorce and murder are sins
against God, Christina's religious beliefs conflict with Nicole's
manipulation and ideas of revenge. As she is forced to choose,
her actions result in a surprising and suspenseful turn of events
that promise to keep you on the edge of your seat! (English subtitles)
