Mademoiselle Docteur

A mesmerising and atmospheric film from one of the finest directors of all, G.W. Pabst. Wonderfully shot by Eugen Schufftan with a score by Honegger and production design by Hubert. The cast is gold-plated. Dita Parlo, who had the distinction of starring in two of the greatest films of all time: 'L'Atalante' and 'La Grande Illusion', brings her own air of mystery to the role of Mademoiselle Docteur. Pierre Fresnay, Louis Jouvet and Pierre Blanchar represent wonderful value needless to say. Jouvet as usual steals all of his scenes. It takes a while to warm up but is so well constructed that the suspense becomes almost unbearable, climaxing in one of the most exciting car chases on film. Apparently an English version appeared soon after with Parlo reprising her role but John Loder as the love interest would be a distinct negative. An earlier film directed by Sam Wood called 'Stamboul Quest', starring Myrna Loy as Mademoiselle Docteur is essentially harmless and marred by Hollywood's obsession with happy endings. 'Fraulein Doktor' directed by Lattuarda, the plot of which has no connection with Pabst's version, is remembered for the gruesome battle sequences but is, on the whole, a disappointing film. Stick with Pabst.