"Magret Sets a Trap" is one of the more often filmed Inspector Maigret novels. The movie version starring the great Jean Gabin is a delight. (Who wouldn't want to see one of the greatest ever movie actors-Gabin--as Maigret.) But there are times the script of that film goes off the rails. British TV versions are nice, I guess, but they focus on the basic plot points and miss the depth of the story. One doesn't read George Simenon's Maigret mysteries simply for setup, epiphanous moment, and denouement. I would say the same is true of watching Maigret. Getting to and finding out "Who did it?" matters, yes, but only a bit. The best parts are the lingering moments in between. This episode, in the splendid series starring Bruno Cremer as Maigret, may be the best Maigret story on film I've ever seen.
The murder of four women on the streets of Paris has the populace alarmed. The newspapers are looking for any angle to the murders and the ongoing investigations they can find. Maigret will use these journalists to help set the trap. So, from the start we have a horrible collection of crimes and a plan to catch the killer. But then the story becomes a police procedural one with a small bit of clothing providing a clue that allows Maigret eventually to move closer to the suspect. But then we are provided a psychological drama played out between Maigret, the suspect, and two relations of the suspect. It's quite a story, and the beauty of this film is that it captures it all.
Each scene is perfectly scripted, perfectly paced. The acting is on target throughout. Pay close attention when the suspect is in Maigret's office. Watch as the suspect arranges items on a desk or (almost outside the frame) twitches a leg up and down. That's brilliant stuff. The script and the actors treat the story with the respect it deserves.
Don't miss this one.