“In 1938, no film looked more revolutionary than PORT OF SHADOWS. With its opening scene of bedraggled Jean Gabin struggling down a foggy road, the very temperament of French cinema changed.” – Dudley Andrew
“Essentially, this is film noir, so there’s crime and romance, but both are submerged beneath a resolutely ground-level exploration of lives in crisis—a mood bolstered by shots of the down-and-dirty French port groaning into action.” – Dave Calhoun, Time Out (London)
Opens April 17 | Released in the uneasy years leading up to WWII with hallmarks of what would become film noir, this atmospheric and fog-drenched film follows two would-be lovers as they contend with the circumstances and heartbreak of their hardscrabble lives. Jean (Jean Gabin), a deserter from the Colonial Army, hitchhikes his way into Le Havre, he’s only looking for a place to hide until he books ship’s passage. He never expects to become embroiled in a dispute between local “tough” guy Lucien (Pierre Brasseur) and wealthy but shady shopkeeper Zabel (Michel Simon). Nor does he expect to fall in love with the beautiful Nelly (Michèle Morgan), who Zabel also “keeps.” What was supposed to be a stopover on his way to a better life turns into a fight against petty jealousies, buried obsessions, and unpleasant pasts. One of Marcel Carné’s most revered films, PORT OF SHADOWS explores the foggier aspects of identity, love, and the possibility, or perhaps impossibility, of escape. Siskel Film Center exclusive.
Awards & Nominations
Winner - Best Foreign Film - Academy Awards 1939
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu