Murder at 45 R.P.M. (1960) in Color — Starring Danielle Darrieux & Michel Auclair

Murder at 45 R.P.M. (1960) — Buy This Classic in Color

Experience the suspenseful French psychological thriller Murder at 45 R.P.M. (1960) Colorized (Meurtre en 45 tours), directed by Étienne Périer, starring Danielle Darrieux, Michel Auclair, and Jean Servais — now available for purchase in stunning color for just €15.00. Based on a novel by the legendary Boileau-Narcejac duo (the minds behind Vertigo and Les Diaboliques), this gripping mystery follows a singer and her accompanist who become trapped in a web of jealousy and suspicion after the singer’s husband dies in a suspicious car accident. This professionally colorized version breathes new life into Marcel Weiss’s atmospheric black-and-white cinematography, revealing the elegant Parisian interiors and fashionable 1960s costumes in vivid detail. The colorization process uses advanced digital techniques for era-accurate frame-by-frame restoration. Own this DRM-free digital download and watch one of the finest French thrillers of its era, beautifully restored in colour.

Plot Summary

Composer Maurice Faugères (Jean Servais) is consumed by dangerous jealousy toward his wife, Ève (Danielle Darrieux), a popular singer, and her talented accompanist, Jean Le Prat (Michel Auclair). Maurice watches the pair obsessively, convinced they are having an affair. Both Ève and Jean live under the constant, suffocating weight of Maurice’s suspicion.

When Maurice is killed in a car accident under strange circumstances, the tragedy should free the two lovers. Instead, it tears them apart. Ève begins to suspect that Jean murdered her husband to be with her — and Jean harbors the same terrible suspicion about Ève. Their mutual distrust poisons what should have been a liberation, as a police investigation tightens around them. The truth, when it finally emerges, reveals the devastating consequences of jealousy and paranoia that extend beyond the grave. The noir-tinged world of the Parisian music scene provides a stylish backdrop for this tale of love and deadly suspicion.

Cast & Crew

Director: Étienne Périer

Screenplay: Dominique Fabre, Étienne Périer, and Albert Valentin

Based on: “À cœur perdu” by Pierre Boiteau and Boileau-Narcejac

Producer: Jacques Bar

Music: Yves Claoué

Cinematography: Marcel Weiss

Stars: Danielle Darrieux as Ève Faugères, Michel Auclair as Jean Le Prat, Jean Servais as Maurice Faugères, Henri Guisol as Georges Meliot, Raymond Gérôme as le commissaire, Mathilde Casadesus as Elsa, Jacqueline Danno as Florence

Danielle Darrieux, one of the greatest stars in the history of French cinema with a career spanning seven decades, brings her trademark sophistication and emotional depth to the role of Ève. Jean Servais, fresh from his iconic performance in Rififi (1955), is perfectly cast as the dangerously possessive husband. The source material by Boileau-Narcejac, the writing partnership responsible for the novels that became Vertigo (1958) and Les Diaboliques (1955), ensures a plot of masterful psychological complexity.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The colorization of Murder at 45 R.P.M. transforms this elegant French thriller into a rich visual experience. The fashionable Parisian settings, Ève’s glamorous stage costumes, and the moody interiors of recording studios and apartments gain a striking new dimension through professionally colorized restoration. Shot at the legendary Saint-Maurice Studios in Paris, this film’s sophisticated visual style is enhanced by era-accurate frame-by-frame colorization that respects the original cinematography while revealing textures and details that black and white alone could not convey. Buy Murder at 45 R.P.M. (1960) Colorized today for €15.00 and own this classic movie in a DRM-free colorized version.

Historical Significance

Murder at 45 R.P.M. represents a distinguished entry in the rich tradition of French psychological thriller cinema. Produced by Cité Films and distributed internationally by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the film brought Boileau-Narcejac’s intricate plotting to audiences worldwide. Director Étienne Périer would go on to direct many acclaimed thrillers, but this early work already demonstrates his skill at building suspense through character psychology rather than action. The film captures the glamorous world of the late-1950s Parisian music scene, with its recording sessions, nightclub performances, and high-society gatherings. The restored colorized version preserves this atmospheric time capsule of French noir cinema while adding a vibrant new visual layer.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 / MKV digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes, professional AI-assisted colorization
• Audio: French mono soundtrack
• Runtime: Approximately 98 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: What is the original French title of this film?
A: The original French title is “Meurtre en 45 tours,” which translates to “Murder at 45 R.P.M.” — a reference to the speed of vinyl records, tying the mystery to the world of music and recording.

Q: Who are Boileau-Narcejac?
A: Boileau-Narcejac were the celebrated French writing duo Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narcejac, whose novels were adapted into some of cinema’s greatest thrillers, including Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958) and Henri-Georges Clouzot’s Les Diaboliques (1955). Murder at 45 R.P.M. is based on their novel “À cœur perdu.”

Q: Who is Danielle Darrieux?
A: Danielle Darrieux was one of France’s most celebrated actresses, with a career spanning from the 1930s to the 2010s. Known internationally for The Earrings of Madame de… (1953) and 8 Women (2002), she brings star power and emotional depth to her role as the suspected singer.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4/MKV file in HD 720p resolution. This colorized version lets you watch on any modern device or media player.

Q: Is the download DRM-free?
A: Yes, your purchase is completely DRM-free. You own the file outright and can watch it on any device without restrictions or recurring fees.

Q: How quickly will I receive the download?
A: Your download link is available immediately after payment is confirmed. You can begin watching Murder at 45 R.P.M. (1960) Colorized within minutes of your purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• Vivement dimanche! (1983)
• Elevator to the Gallows (1958)
• 125 rue Montmartre (1959)
• Rififi (1955)
• Breathless (1960)