Fantômas (1932 film)

Fantômas is a 1932 French crime film directed by Paul Féjos, starring Jean Gabin as a supporting character, a taxi driver. It is based on the Fantômas novels by Marcel Allain and Pierre Souvestre. The film represents an early sound adaptation of the popular pulp fiction series, which had previously been adapted into several silent film serials.

The 1932 Fantômas is a standalone film, rather than a serial. It depicts the elusive master criminal Fantômas and his ongoing battle against Inspector Juve. While Gabin's role is relatively small, the film is notable for featuring him early in his career. The plot revolves around Fantômas's elaborate schemes and Juve's relentless pursuit to bring him to justice. It utilizes elements of suspense and mystery characteristic of the Fantômas stories. The film received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics noting its faithfulness to the source material while others criticized its pacing and execution. Despite not being as widely known as some other adaptations, it remains a significant entry in the cinematic history of the Fantômas character.