A Scandal in Paris - A 1946 Film Directed by Douglas Sirk - based on the Life of Eugène François Vidocq - director of France's first criminal investigative agency, the Sûreté nationale,

 

This is part of  my Participation in Paris in July 2023  Hosted by Words and Peace

https://wordsandpeace.com/2023/06/30/paris-in-july-2023/

"Eugène François Vidocq
24 July 1775 – 11 May 1857) was a French criminal turned criminalist, whose life story inspired several writers, including Victor Hugo, Edgar Allan Poe and Honoré de Balzac. The former criminal became the founder and first director of France's first criminal investigative agency, the Sûreté nationale, as well as the head of the first known private detective agency. Vidocq is considered to be the father of modern criminology and of the French national police force. He is also regarded as the first private detective." Bard

Scandal in Paris is on YouTube. It has a run time of one hour and forty  minutes.  It was shot in Paris.

A Scandal in Paris (1946) is a biographical film directed by Douglas Sirk and starring George Sanders, Signe Hasso, and Carole Landis. It loosely depicts the life of Eugène François Vidocq, a French criminal who reformed and became a famous French Prefect of Police during the Napoleonic era.

The film begins with Vidocq (Sanders) as a petty criminal and lothario. He escapes from prison with his cellmate, Emile Vernet (Akim Tamiroff), and they travel to Marseilles where they meet the attractive young singer Loretta (Landis). Vidocq then meets a marquise and plots to steal her stash of jewels.

With the help of the minister of police's daughter, Therese (Hasso), Vidocq finds himself unexpectedly replacing the police chief. He uses his knowledge of the criminal underworld to help solve crimes, but he is also tempted to return to his old ways.

In the end, Vidocq chooses to reform and become a force for good in Paris. He creates a new kind of police force, one that uses criminals to catch criminals. He also helps to bring about the downfall of the corrupt minister of police.

A Scandal in Paris is a stylish and entertaining film that tells a fascinating story. It is also a thoughtful exploration of the nature of good and evil. Sanders gives a superb performance as Vidocq, and the supporting cast is also excellent.

The film was a critical and commercial success, and it has been praised by critics for its wit, suspense, and social commentary. It is a classic of the film noir genre, and it is still considered to be one of Sirk's best films.

I will next post on The Arch of Triumph,1948, starring Ingrid Bergman.

I offer my thanks to Emma of Words and Peace for hosting Paris in July 2023

Mel Ulm