Pierre Chenal is one of the best-kept secrets of French Cinema and I've always had a lot of time for him despite his standing firmly in the second rank. Senior Citizens in England will possibly remember his Clochemerle, released more than half a century ago, though it is doubtful they would have registered his name even at the time, being more aware of the slightly risqué (to Englishmen) theme of the siting of a public urinal in the centre of a small town. There was nothing wrong with Clochemerle but Chenal could and did do better in such titles as L'Alibi, L'Assassin connait la musique, and La Foire aux chimeres. This was his very first film and if it wavers uncertainly between comedy and tragedy it is possibly because everyone has to learn his trade. With the exception of Paulette Dubost, who enjoyed a distinguished career in French cinema, the cast is totally unknown and even in France they were little better than journeymen. Nevertheless it's a decent effort and invaluable to Chenal enthusiasts.
Review of Le martyre de l'obèse
