Auguste Le Breton
Auguste Le Breton (February 18, 1913 – May 31, 1999) was a French novelist who wrote primarily about the criminal underworld. His novels were adapted into several notable films of the 1950s, such as Rififi, Razzia sur la chnouf, Le rouge est mis and Le clan des siciliens. He wrote the dialogue for the noir film Bob le flambeur.
Auguste Le Breton was born in Finistère, Britanny. His childhood name was Auguste Monfort. Tragedy struck early in his life. Before he turned up his father had died in the First World War. His mother then disappeared. Being an orphan, Le Breton acquired the status of ward of the nation and so was housed in state institutions. Growing up in these institutions wasn't easy. He got into trouble regularly. He had to be put in remand homes frequently. When he lived in Paris, his haunts were disreputable places of the capital, bars and gambling dens. He even spent time with the gangs of Montmartre, acquainting himself with the crime world. He himself, however, was never involved in any serious crime. There can be no doubt that this semi-criminal life of his had a vast influence on his writings, enlivening them with the accuracy that only experience can bring.[1]
The Rebel and The Writer
For reasons never known, Le Breton joined the Resistance during the Second World War. It has been speculated that it was the Vichy's anti-gambling laws that made Le Breton turn against the regime. The reasons for his joining the resistance are uncertain, but it is certain that he aided others involved in the resistance to elude Vichy and the Germans. It was for such contributions that he was awarded the Croix de guerre and the Resistance medal.[1]
The involvement in the Resistance marked a metamorphosis in Le Breton's life. Perhaps spurred on by the selfless actions he had done during the war, he began to write. A few years later he married, which was another pivotal point in his life. Le Breton stated that he would write books for children, if he had any. He planned to write a memoir of his life as an orphan, his rootless childhood, the life of penury and visiting the disreputable places like bars and brothels.
Autobiography
When Le Breton's daughter Mary-Yvonne was born, he lived up to his words and wrote his autobiography. Entitled Les Hauts Murs, the book was successful. It was a poignant book, filled with anecdotal episodes from Le Breton's time in the orphanages, remand homes and prisons. Le Breton described in detail his friends and acquaintances from the bars, brothels and gangs of Paris.[1]
Style
Le Breton's works are known for their directness of style and story. His other strength was his mastery over the language, especially of the French slang. This gave his works, most of which were about criminals, an authenticity and accuracy.[1]
Film adaptations
Le Breton wrote 77 novels, many of which were adapted into films. His books were mostly about low-life. Although his tales were not the greatest in terms of plot, his characters and unique language made them hugely popular. His works were made into successful films like Du Rififi Chez Les Hommes (Rififi Means Fight or Bust-Up). The film was directed by Jules Dassin and starred Jean Servais as Tony, the mastermind of a daring jewel heist.[1]