quai des orfevres takes long getting going clouzot enamored backstage milieu almost danger forgetting story however does clouzot best bertrand blier father bertrand blier costar buffet froid worldworn pianist married beneath plans kill seedy studio mogul designs wife find someone beaten it that carefully planned clumsily executed alibi falls pieces least thief steals car murder scenebr br the film really kicks life arrival luis jouvets police inspector rather wonderful creation half alistair sim green danger half worldweary maigret better dialog neat running gag investigation constantly conducted top voice chaos noise whether noisy typewriters police station loud rehearsal police station wonderfully realistic creation wealth chaotic telling small details makes steve bocchcos revolutionary s us cop shows look like antiquated museum pieces comparison br br if suzy delair rather unconvincing femme fatale supporting cast compensate beautiful simone renant standout lesbian photographer love afar constantly mistaken bliers lover delair interested parties only jouvet similarly unlucky women understands genuinely sympathises great black white photography armand thirard terrific little thriller nice twist ending lovely scene cab driver reluctantly identifying renant police station trivia note pierre larquey played playfully philosophical dr vorzet le corbeau turns smaller roles cabdriver quai les espionsbr br the criterion dvd quite superb  great picture quality plus illuminating extract french tv show featuring interviews clouzot blier renant