Le Trou
Seen it?1960 | 132 min | Drama, Thriller, Crime
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (95% on Rotten Tomatoes) and audiences rate it highly (8.2 out of 10). Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans and anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved The Defiant Ones or Shadow of a Doubt, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Tense, dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 12 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Made in 1960: an older pace and style.
Four prison inmates have been hatching a plan to literally dig out of jail when another prisoner, Claude Gaspard, is moved into their cell. They take a risk and share their plan with the newcomer. Over the course of three days, the prisoners and friends break through the concrete floor using a bed post and begin to make their way through the sewer system – yet their escape is anything but assured.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
95% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesStrong
8.2 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$33K worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 43K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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The Defiant Ones Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed crime drama that fewer people know today.
The Exorcism of God
Weeknight WatchAnother prison crime drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Shadow of a Doubt Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed crime thriller.
The Woman in the Window
Sunday Safe BetAnother crime drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Jacques Becker
- Michel ConstantinGeo Cassine
- Jean KeraudyRoland Darban
- Philippe LeroyManu Borelli
- Raymond MeunierVossellin / Monseigneur
- Marc MichelClaude Gaspard
- Jean-Paul CoquelinLe lieutenant Grinval
- André BervilLe directeur de la prison
- Eddy RasimiBouboule
- Philippe DumatUn gardien
- Albert AugierUn gardien