Fresh
Jacques Becker's 1959 film was the last great flowering of French classicism; the 'tradition of quality' here goes out with a masterpiece.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Overview
Four prison inmates have been hatching a plan to literally dig out of jail when another prisoner, Claude Gaspard, is moved into their cell. They take a risk and share their plan with the newcomer. Over the course of three days, the prisoners and friends break through the concrete floor using a bed post and begin to make their way through the sewer system – yet their escape is anything but assured.
Director and cast
- Jacques Becker Director
- Michel Constantin as Geo Cassine
- Jean Keraudy as Roland Darbant
- Philippe Leroy as Manu Borelli
- Raymond Meunier as Vossellin / Monseigneur
- Marc Michel as Claude Gaspard (as Mark Michel)
- Jean-Paul Coquelin as Le lieutenant Grinval (as J. Paul Coquelin)
- André Bervil as Le directeur
- Eddy Rasimi Cast
- Philippe Dumat Cast
- Albert Augier Cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
Fresh
Classical in its intense simplicity, this is certainly Becker's most perfectly crafted film.
Tom Milne, Time Out
Fresh
The actors, none of whom are familiar, play their roles with such simple, natural force that they become not only bold adventurers but also deeply appreciable friends.
Bosley Crowther, New York Times
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