Port of Shadows

When 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 book 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.