Watch L'assassin Habite au 21

"L'assassin Habite au 21" is a 1942 French crime thriller directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot, who later went on to direct classics like "Le Corbeau" and "Les Diaboliques". The film stars Pierre Fresnay, Suzy Delair, and Jean Tissier, and is based on a novel by Stanislas-André Steeman. The film opens with a series of murders taking place in and around the Montmartre district of Paris. The murders all seem to be connected, as the killer leaves behind a calling card at each crime scene: a slip of paper with the words "Monsieur Durand" written on it.

Enter Inspector Wens (played by Pierre Fresnay), a genial and somewhat bumbling police detective who is put on the case. Wens is not taken seriously by his colleagues, who see him as a bit of a buffoon, but Wens is determined to solve the case and prove himself.

Wens and his assistant, Ménard (played by Jean Tissier), set up a base of operations in a nearby boarding house, where they hope to catch the killer. But things quickly get complicated when a new boarder arrives: a beautiful young woman named Mila Malou (played by Suzy Delair).

Mila immediately catches Wens's attention, and he begins to suspect that she may be involved in the murders. But as he investigates further, Wens begins to realize that things are not quite as they seem. As the body count rises and the pressure mounts, Wens finds himself in a race against time to catch the killer before it's too late.

One of the things that makes "L'assassin Habite au 21" stand out is its sense of atmosphere. Clouzot does an excellent job of creating a mood of tension and unease, using shadows and light to great effect to create a sense of menace. The film also benefits from some excellent set design, particularly in the scenes set in the boarding house.

The performances are also top-notch. Pierre Fresnay is charming and likable as Inspector Wens, bringing a sense of humor and humanity to the role that makes him easy to root for. Suzy Delair is also excellent as Mila Malou, imbuing her character with a sense of mystery and danger that keeps the audience guessing until the very end.

The film's main weakness is its plot, which is fairly convoluted and not always easy to follow. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, and some of the twists and turns of the plot can be a bit hard to untangle. That being said, the film is still engaging and entertaining, and the resolution of the mystery is satisfying enough to make up for any confusion along the way.

One interesting thing about "L'assassin Habite au 21" is its place in the history of French cinema. As a crime thriller made during the Nazi occupation of France, the film can be seen as a subversive commentary on the state of the country at the time. The use of Montmartre as a setting, for example, is significant, as the neighborhood was traditionally associated with the bohemian and working-class communities of Paris. By emphasizing the darker, seedier aspects of the area, Clouzot may have been making a statement about the corruption and decay of French society under the occupation.

Overall, "L'assassin Habite au 21" is a suspenseful, atmospheric thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With great performances and excellent direction, it's a must-see for fans of classic French cinema, as well as anyone who enjoys a good mystery.