Budapest Classic Film Marathon: Five-Forty

Director: Endre Tóth

Screenplay by József Babay, Jenő Szatmári
Director of photography: István Eiben
Music by Szabolcs Fényes
Cast: Mária Tasnády Fekete, Ferenc Kiss, Margit Makay

Tóth Endre | André de Toth

Introduction: Márton Kurutz, Manager of the collections and research department, National Film Institute - Film Archive

In the space of eight months of 1939, the director, who went on to a glittering career in Hollywood, tested himself in no fewer than five genres. Five-Forty is a solid thriller set in Paris. Marion separated from her husband a year ago. He is the adventurer type and continues to hold her in his power. The woman turns for help to examining judge Tessier, her former fiancé, who is just then looking into the murder of a famous singer. All the clues point to the husband, also known as Bijou. However, he denies everything. Marion senses that she is placing an intolerable burden on Tessier in that he has to suspect his former rival, so she behaves as though she still loves her husband. The examining judge summons up all his moral strength to continue the investigation and find the true culprit.

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