Emile Zola's novel about adultery, blackmail and murder, was adapted for the screen by Marcel Carne and Chales Spaak, two men who knew about all the elements that show so prominently in the book. In fact, Mr. Carne seems the obvious choice to tackle this work that packs quite a lot. Emile Zola was one of France's best writers of his time. His work always reflected human beings at a crossroad, as is the case in "Therese Raquin", one of his best novels.

Therese, the young woman at the center of the story, is married to her sickly cousin Camille. One look at Therese tells it all, she's caught in a no win situation as long as she remains married. Therese is ready to satisfy the sexual desires bottled in her. Enter the dashing young driver Laurent. He likes Therese and she feels, for once in her lifetime, the spark that brings her to life. It's clear she falls for this stranger with a passion she didn't know she had within her.

Zola seems to be a role model for writers like James Cain, who also saw what passion could do to sexually repressed individuals. The theme of "Therese Raquin" evokes some modern novels like Mr. Cain's "The Postman Always Ring Twice", and "Double Indemnity", to cite only two of his works also turned into successful films.

Camille, who senses his wife's betrayal, decides to take her away to some relatives where she would be safe, away from the temptation of the handsome man that could mean her salvation. Therese and Laurent have another thing in mind, as it becomes clear when the young lover happens to be in the same train as the Raquin. Little prepares them for the stranger that is also riding the train and who will come back to haunt them.

Simone Signoret makes an appealing Therese. Ms. Signoret was an interesting actress to watch on any of the films she appeared. Therese was one of her best creations as she gives the director a nuanced performance in what remains to be one of her best roles she played on the screen. Handsome Raf Vallone appears as the man who seduces the beautiful woman in an unhappy marriage. Sylvie is perfect as the mother who knew in her heart about her niece's betrayal. Marcel Andre as the blackmailer Michaud also creates the necessary tension for the lovers.

"Therese Raquin" is not seen often theses days, but it's worth a look for people who love the genre to watch one of Marcel Carne's best works in the French cinema.