A Battle of Nerves (1931) by Georges Simenon is the first of two novels in the volume pictured above. I read a few of the Maigret books in high school and then forgot about them until I came across the several television adaptations. The Younger Son gave me this lovely book for Mother's Day, and I am glad I've rediscovered them. This book has been adapted for film and television several times, including The Man on the Eiffel Tower with Charles Laughton and as Maigret and the Head of a Man with Bruce Cremer.
from Wikipedia:
Maigret had been investigating the murder of Mme. Henderson, a rich American woman, and her maid, at her house in Saint-Cloud. Despite the evidence against the main suspect, Joseph Heurtin, which earned him the death sentence, Maigret feels sure Heurtin is not the guilty party. Convinced Heurtin knows the real killer, he contrives to let the man escape...
I haven't seen it, but you can watch the Charles Laughton version (directed by Burgess Meredith) here:
I'm working my way through the entire Bruce Cremer Maigret series, as I can get the DVDs, but they don't come cheap.
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That was a really impressive film. I watched it in part for the plot and in part for the views of Paris in the 30s. That final chase in the Eiffel Tower was scary and harrowing. I held my breath several times. It was a great way to begin my day.
ReplyDeleteThx for the review; I'll hafta watch it. I had trouble picturing Laughton in the role, but I need to broaden my horizons :)
DeleteI've read a lot of Maigret stories years ago, but I have never seen any movies or tv shows based on them. They are enjoyable stories, especially for those of us who love mysteries. have a super Friday. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteYes! Rowan Atkinson is the most recent Maigret. I admit I didn't hold out much hope for him, but he's perfect!
DeleteWonderful choice, I love the Maigret stories 😁. Happy Friday and have a lovely weekend! J 😊 x
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear other people are still reading him :)
DeleteWas pretty good. I can imagine it re-done today much better, though, to be honest. Not a big fan of the acting in general but the plot had a lot of potential. Probably another example of the book being better than the movie, I suspect--LOL!
ReplyDeleteCharles Laughton isn't somebody I had thought of as Maigret. I do love the Cremer and Atkinson adaptations, though.
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