This film passes from time to time on French TV. Its weak point is the plot which is fairly uninvolved and uninspiring - basically about gangsters and a romance between Serge Reggiani and Simone Signoret. Outside of this, just about everything else concerning the film is not devoid of interest. Location-wise, much of the film was shot in my favourite sector of Paris, Belleville - the Belleville which has long disappeared under the bulldozer and which will profoundly disappoint you if you visit the area today in the hope of recapturing some of its former atmosphere. As in a number of other films the rue Piat and the rue des Envierges are the main streets of interest where most of the action takes place and there is a glimpse of the famous "Maison du Meunier" beside the staircase and panoramic viewpoint at the bend in the rue Piat. The black and white photography in the film is excellent and sharp, visually very stimulating. Signoret was at her most beautiful in this film, fairly plump, with a head full of blond hair ( hence the film's title ) and beautiful expressive eyes, especially when she gets the hots on Reggiani. Claude Dauphin, with his instantly recognizeable face puts in an excellent performance. Part of the film is supposed to take place at Joinville but I have doubts that it was actually filmed there as the sets are too countrified, and Joinville, even at that time was fairly built-up with guinguettes and dance-halls. The audio quality of the film is fairly clear though in mono and a little tinny at times. I would recommend the film for its visual and artistic beauty and for a myriad of famous tunes, including "loveliest night of the year" and "le temps des cerises" and not forgetting the memorable title theme. If you're looking for an interesting plot though, you may be rather disappointed. Available on DVD in France with English subtitles and French audio in the Studio Canal series.
Review of Casque d'Or
