One of the classic crime fiction films ever made and a fantastic time capsule containing the distilled exotic ambience of French colonial Algiers.
Like many French movie stars, Jean Gabin is no oil painting, but he does have a certain energy and charisma, and he needs to, in order to avoid being upstaged by the colourful menagerie supporting players who surround him.
Wanted by the French authorities, master criminal Pepe le Moco and his gang take refuge in the seamy labyrinth of the Algiers Casbah, where the police can never quite catch up with them, but slowly his sanctuary becomes his prison...
Meanwhile the wily local inspector bides his time until a woman provides the flashpoint that could prove to be Pepe's undoing.
If you have enjoyed the feel of Casablanca you may well fall in love with this one.
Review of Pépé le Moko
