Don't Reveal the Ending!

Starring: Simone Signoret, Véra Clouzot, Paul Meurisse, Charles Vanel, Jean Brochard, Thérèse Dorny, Michael Serrault, Georges Chamarat, Robert Dalban, Camille Guérini, Jean Lefebvre

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Today, she's a cute little ruin. She doesn't risk anything. Ruins are indestructible. She'll bury us all. Won't you, my little ruin?" - Michel Delassalle

Why watch this? This murder thriller has some genuinely horrific moments.

Plot Summary: The domineering headmaster of a boy's boarding school outside of Paris, Michel Delassalle, treated both his wife and mistress with merciless cruelty. His wife, the frail Christina, owns the school, even though she has a severe heart condition. Michel's mistress, Nicole, is a tight-lipped teacher at the school, and she endures his physical abuses. The two women have become close friends in their shared misery. So much so that the two plan to murder Michel. To enact their plan, Christina uses the threat of divorce to lure Michel to Niort, Nicole's hometown five hours south.

Dad's Preview:  Let's plan a murder. What could go wrong? This superb murder-mystery successfully adds horror elements to make it all the more thrilling. These are not people you necessarily root for, but like watching a car wreck - you can't take your eyes off it. Véra Clouzot, as Christina, perfectly plays the co-conspirator who just can't hold it together. And, as the tagline indicates, the ending is best enjoyed as a surprise.   

Fimsonor, Vera Films; Cinédis