When François -Eugene Vidocq wrote his memoirs,did he know that his book would be transferred to the screen again and again and again.This 1938 version was not the first one and would not be the last.The sixties brought a miniseries and a comic strip;Douglas Sirk took Vidocq to Hollywood in a very curious adaptation;recently(2001) Depardieu took on the part in a big budget flick which met mixed critical favor .

François Brulé's film is a down-to-earth and a bit lackluster film .There's no symbolism here -like Sirk would do in "scandal in Paris" with his hints at Saint George and the dragon- but a linear story divided into two obvious parts:

1.Vidocq the criminal on the lam,chased by a rather incompetent Police.

2.Vidocq the thief-turned -cop (and informer): this part of the story is very small .A hero is no match for a villain! The places where the thieves meet on the Boulevard du Crime" provided a foretaste of what Marcel Carné would take to its absolute perfection in "les Enfants du Paradis"

French-language cinema, whether in France, Québec, or other Francophone regions, explores cultural identity, social change, and the tension between the individual and society. French cinema is not only celebrated for its intellectual experimentation and auteur traditions, but also its success in mainstream comedy, romance, and commercial entertainment. In Québec, films often focus on questions of language, belonging, and community within a distinct cultural landscape.

Jean-Pierre Léaud in The 400 Blows (1959)

The crime genre features criminal activities, investigations, law enforcement, crimes, and the pursuit of justice. Crime stories often revolve around the planning, execution, and consequences of criminal acts, as well as the efforts to solve and prevent such acts. They explore various aspects of criminal behavior, motives, and the moral dilemmas faced by both perpetrators and those seeking to uphold the law.

James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Sharon Angela, Max Casella, Dan Grimaldi, Joe Perrino, Donna Pescow, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Tony Sirico, and Michael Drayer in The Sopranos (1999)

The thriller genre features suspense, tension, and excitement. These stories are known for keeping audiences on the edge of their seats and delivering intense emotional experiences by revolving around high-stakes situations, dangerous conflicts, and the constant anticipation of unexpected events.

The film is based on the memoirs of Eugène François Vidocq. Vidocq was a criminal in nineteenth century Paris who changed sides and became a leading detective.

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