As a passionate lover of French cinema from Alpha To Omega (with the exception of that disastrous - but fortunately short-lived - hiccup known by the Academic-Pseud axis as the Nouvelle Vague but around my house as the new wavelet) and especially that Golden Age of the thirties and forties this forgotten gem is right down my rue. The obvious comparison was the near-contemporary Stage Door from RKO albeit in that women-only boarding-house all the tenants would would-be actresses whilst here they are from all walks of life. Danielle Darrieux (who celebrated her 100th birthday this year) had already carved out a career in cinema after only five years in the business and nineteen on the planet and in that same year would hit big in Mayerling, is given top billing and a showy role as a love-smitten lass who thinks nothing of dragging up her boyfriend to smuggle him into her room - and bed given she winds up slightly enceinte, but the likes of Betty Stockfield are also on hand and on the whole there is fine ensemble playing. Bring on the DVD.
Review of Club de femmes
