La Verite (1960) - Clouzot

Superb French courtroom drama starring Brigitte Bardot as a "bad girl" on trial for Murder One. Did she murder her ex-lover in cold blood or was it a crime of passion? Kept me interested from start to finish and Bardot shows unexpected range and acting ability. The script keeps us guessing throughout, and the acting by everyone is first rate. Another Plus? The always enjoyable shots of 1960s Paris. This isn't the best of Clouzot's film's - I'd rank it about 5th below "The Crow" "wages of fear" Quai des Orfèvres and Diabolique, but its pretty damn good.  

Summary:  Not  a great movie - but one of best courtroom dramas I've seen. Having sexy 26 year-old Bardot as the lead doesn't hurt.  Thank you Criterion.  Rating *** 1/2