Crime and Punishment (1956)
A landmark French adaptation of Dostoevsky's novel, starring Jean Gabin in a gripping tale of guilt, murder, and moral reckoning.
Crime and Punishment - Movie Information
- Original Title: Crime et châtiment
- Release Year: 1956
- Directed by: Georges Lampin
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 47m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 4, 1956 (France), August 30, 1957 (Germany - 16)
- Alternative Titles: The Most Dangerous Sin (US), Cinayət və Cəza (AZ)
- Production Companies: Champs-Élysées Productions
- Production Countries: France
Crime and Punishment - Plot
Former student Raskolnikov is pushed to murder when struggling to pay the rent on his apartment. When the murder is being investigated by the police, Raskolnikov struggles between trying to hide his guilt and the pressure to confess.
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Crime and Punishment - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Georges Lampin
Main Cast
- Jean Gabin
- Marina Vlady
- Ulla Jacobsson
- Bernard Blier
- Robert Hossein
- Gaby Morlay
- Gabrielle Fontan
- Gérard Blain
- Lino Ventura
- Marie-José Nat
Writers
- Charles Spaak
Producers
- Jules Borkon
Crime and Punishment - FAQs
What is Crime and Punishment (1956) about?
The film follows Raskolnikov, a desperate young man who commits murder when he can no longer pay his rent. As a police investigation closes in, he's torn apart by guilt and the mounting urge to confess. It's a tense psychological drama rooted in Dostoevsky's celebrated novel.
How does this film differ from Dostoevsky's novel?
Director Georges Lampin and screenwriter Charles Spaak transplant the story from 19th-century St. Petersburg to contemporary Paris, giving the classic tale a French noir sensibility. Jean Gabin plays the investigating detective rather than Raskolnikov himself, shifting the dramatic focus considerably.
Who are the main actors in Crime and Punishment?
The cast is a who's who of French cinema's golden era. Jean Gabin leads as the shrewd detective Commissaire Gallet, with Marina Vlady, Ulla Jacobsson, Bernard Blier, Robert Hossein, Gérard Blain, and Lino Ventura rounding out a remarkably strong ensemble.
Where can you watch Crime and Punishment (1956)?
You can check current streaming availability and viewing options for Crime and Punishment (1956) on JustWatch, which lists all rental, purchase, and subscription platforms available in your region.
Is Crime and Punishment (1956) based on a true story?
No, it's not based on real events. The film adapts Fyodor Dostoevsky's landmark 1866 novel of the same name, one of the most influential works in world literature. The story is fictional, though Dostoevsky drew on real criminal cases and his own experiences for inspiration.
Who directed Crime and Punishment (1956)?
Georges Lampin directed the film. A French filmmaker active from the 1940s through the 1960s, Lampin was known for his polished adaptations of literary works. The screenplay was crafted by Charles Spaak, one of the most respected writers in French cinema history.
What are some films similar to Crime and Punishment (1956)?
If you enjoyed this film's blend of psychological tension and moral drama, try A Simple Plan (1998), Mulholland Drive (2001), or Breathless (1983). For more French noir atmosphere, Fail Safe (1964) and Arlington Road (1999) offer similarly gripping cat-and-mouse storytelling.
Who composed the music for Crime and Punishment?
The score was composed by Maurice Thiriet, a prolific French composer who worked extensively in cinema during the mid-20th century. The cinematography was handled by Claude Renoir, nephew of director Jean Renoir and one of France's most celebrated directors of photography.
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