If this movie were ever shown in English-speaking countries they could do worse that call it Tailor and Cutter, which pretty much sums up the plot; Charles Aznavour is a tailor in a French provincial town and the only citizen to suspect hatter Michel Serrault of serial murder. As usual Chabrol is good at depicting French Provincial life though it could be argued that he lets him camera wander down the same narrow, cobblestoned street once too often. Despite his major billing Aznavour is restricted to a Supporting role at best and spends ninety five per cent of his screen time openly 'shadowing' Serrault and being taunted for his pains. Even if you don't know the storyline going in it soon becomes apparent that 1) Serrault has a secret and 2) Aznavour has a pretty shrewd idea what it is so that what pleasure there is to be had comes from observing the cat and mouse game which Serrault enjoys as much as killing and it is significant that when Aznavour falls ill and dies Serrault loses his own zest for life and throws in the towel. Certainly worth watching but not vintage Chabrol.
Review of The Hatter's Ghost
