Julien Duvivier in the Thirties (Criterion Collection - Eclipse Series 40)

This four-disc set of films by French director Julien Duvivier begins with "David Golder" (1930); in this first of many team-ups with actor Harry Baur, Baur is a Jewish businessman whose character flaws torment him and his family. Paule Andral, Jackie Monnier co-star. Duvivier's "Poil De Carotte" (1932)─a remake of his silent film and possibly an inspiration for Truffaut's "The 400 Blows"─relates the story of a young boy with a loving father, an uncaring mother, and cruel siblings. With Robert Lynen, Catherine Fonteney, and Baur. The murder of a rich American woman in Paris puts Inspector Jules Maigret (Baur) on the case, as Duvivier's moody "La Tête D'Un Homme" (1933) finds author George Simenon's French sleuth stalking the streets of Paris. With Valéry Inkijinoff, Gaston Jacquet. Recently widowed, a wealthy woman looks back on her youth, in "Un Carnet De Bal" (1937)─embarking on a journey through Europe in search of past suitors. Humorous drama stars Christine Surgère, Baur. 6 2/3 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: French; Subtitles: English. In French with English subtitles.