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Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

Fans of the great Jean Gabin, get a good dose of his charm and charisma, as he portrays 'Bobo', in this fine film co-starring a young Ida Lupino as 'Anna', his love interest. Although the production suffers a bit, mostly due to a low-budget and marginal sets, the chemistry between Gabin and Lupino is tangible. Thomas Mitchell turns in a good performance as despicable 'Tiny', the blackmailer. Claude Rains co-stars as the loyal 'Nutsy', Bobo's true friend, and if you watch closely, you'll notice Victor Sen-Young as 'Takeo'(credited as 'Sen Young') who delighted audiences as 'Hop Sing' in "Bonanza". Gabin's ability to convey a range of emotions, from bliss to rage, really carry this film and Lupino fans get to see her as a young, fragile character who finds love in the least likely of places. Viewers of "Moontide" may also like "The Sicilian Clan", which has Jean Gabin playing the matriarch of a crime family, in 1960's Europe.

An American film starring Jean Gabin? Who's Jean Gabin? An amazing actor, that's who! But I had no idea prior to watching this. Apparently he was a huge star in France, he came to Hollywood for two films before entering World War II where he earned two medals fighting the Nazis for the Free French Forces. His two American films did not fare well at the box office but this one is quite a gem. The great Fritz Lang began filming and is uncredited as director for some scenes. The film was also nominated for Best Black & White Cinematography. Gabin is wonderful as is the female lead, Ida Lupino. Outstanding acting and a story so well directed! Absolutely recommended!7.2 / 10 stars--Zoooma, a Kat Pirate Screener!

A Pacific coast juke joint is the setting for this melodramatic tale of attempted suicide, surprise love, rape and revenge. Pretty surprising stuff for Hollywood during the war years. The French New Wave, still in its infant stages, is more than obvious in this superb drama of near tragedy. Jean Gabin is an unforgettable hero who takes in the suicidal Ida Lupino after she shocks nighttime beach goers by a full-dressed late night swim. Furious at first for being saved, Lupino isn't angry for long and romance blossoms. But a jealous drunken pal of Gabin's (an unforgettable Thomas Mitchell) is out of control when it comes to his lust for the luscious Lupino and after the lovebirds head to the alter, their happiness is instantly threatened.Gorgeously photographed, this very literary melodrama will grab you from the get-go, being very similar to another Archie Mayo directed drama, "The Petrified Forest" where tragic characters faced impending doom and accepted it. The pacing never lets the grip go. Mitchell is a far cry from his hot-tempered patriarch in "Gone With the Wind", yet shows multi dimensions as the nasty villain while Claude Rains offers sage wisdom in a smaller but vital role. Characters come in and out at an amazing speed but they all leave a mark.Lupino is at first dark and mysterious then allows her loveliness to shine through without losing her characterization. Gabin isn't without faults as a tough guy who still has the capability to love but never loses his masculinity. The script moves effortlessly from dark social commentary to romance without losing its mood, and the result is a motion picture definitely ahead of its time that, like great art, simply improves with age. The mesmerizing confrontation between good and evil after tragedy strikes is a cinematic moment that will live in your mind forever.

Though the movie is so-so story-wise, Jean Gabin's performance hooks you. It's the little things -- like his gestures to Tiny in the bar asking for money -- that blew me away. The movie itself has problems. The ending feels tacked on (I understand it was changed from the original downer ending). Some scenes feel like they are missing just a tad bit of exposition for them to really feel complete (the Doctor, for example, or Anna's back story). And I think Thomas Mitchell was miscast as Tiny -- he seems more blustery than malevolent (thw towel snapping came across as boyish pranksterism than cruelty). But I'd watch it again just to study Gabin.