Le Crime de Monsieur Lange (The Crime of Monsieur Lange) (1936)

100% of critics liked it
(13 reviews)
81% of users liked it
(581 ratings)

Jean Renoir was the director of The Crime of Monsieur Lange, but this French film might just as well have been made in Hollywood by Frank Capra. The titular Lange (Rene Lefevre) is an author of wild west novels. When the owner of the company that publishes Lange's works absconds with the company… More Jean Renoir was the director of The Crime of Monsieur Lange, but this French film might just as well have been made in Hollywood by Frank Capra. The titular Lange (Rene Lefevre) is an author of wild west novels. When the owner of the company that publishes Lange's works absconds with the company funds, Lange rallies the employees together to create their own publishing house. The publisher returns, disguised as a priest, and demands a share of the profits. Lange responds by killing the bounder. The grateful employees help Lange to escape prosecution, allowing him to leave the country with his lovely fiancee (Florelle). Jacques Prevert adapted the screenplay of The Crime of Monsieur Lange from a story by Renoir and Jean Castanier. Stage actor Jules Berry makes his film debut in the role of the shady publisher. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Jean Renoir
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 24, 1936 Wide

Critic Reviews

Bosley Crowther, New York Times
It spins a loose and nondescript story, which ranges uncertainly between romantic comedy and solemn melodrama, about a publishing enterprise in which an author of cheap French Western fiction is the pivotal element.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Jacques Prevert's screenplay has wit and economy, but it is the multiplicity of points of view implied in Renoir's fluid direction that lifts the film from propaganda to art.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
One of director Jean Renoir's most delightful comedies.
Douglas Pratt, DVDLaser
The film has some memorable characterizations and depicts adult situations with a much greater frankness than Hollywood was allowed at the time. Despite its clear moral exploration, however, the 78-minute running time is too brief for the film to become m
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
A clever Renoir film, with a decidedly anti-capitalist message.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Renoir's sanguine contribution to France's Popular Front.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
One of Renoir's most completely delightful movies.
Zach Campbell, Slant Magazine
Rich and complex.
Johnny Dee, Film4
Fast, funny and loaded with charm, this is an unashamedly politically motivated film executed with all Renoir's trademark style.
David Parkinson, Empire Magazine
Underrated musical that is defiantly political but in a surprisingly intimate and character-driven way.

Read all 10 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Adam M

fast-moving story about a child-man's fantasy life awaking his neighbors in solidarity; the bad guy's fantasy life becomes hiding in a priest costume & stealing