Elevator to the Gallows
Sunday May 31, 2026
Start Time: 2:00pm
Rating: Not Rated
Ticket Price: $17
Directed by: Louis Malle

We are thrilled to introduce our Passport to the Movies: International Film Series, a celebration of world cinema that invites audiences to experience remarkable films from around the globe--right here at the Cranford Theater. We are kicking off the series with a curated selection of French classics, each followed by a thoughtful discussion about the film's themes, history, and lasting impact.

The second film in the series is Elevator to the Gallows (1958), a stylish and suspenseful French noir directed by Louis Malle. The story follows a war veteran who commits the perfect crime to be with his lover--only to find himself trapped in an elevator in the very building where the murder took place. As the night unfolds, a series of unexpected events spirals out of control, weaving together fate, chance, and moral consequence.

Featuring an iconic improvised jazz score by Miles Davis and unforgettable performances by Jeanne Moreau and Maurice Ronet, Elevator to the Gallows is a gripping and atmospheric classic of French cinema.

Join us for the film and stay afterward for an engaging discussion exploring its artistry, historical context, and influence on modern filmmaking.



About the Curator- Gerard Amsellem Artist, educator, and filmmaker Gerard Amsellem is a dual American and French citizen with a deep passion for classic, foreign, and independent cinema from around the world. Born and raised in Paris, he spent his first 25 years in France, where he studied painting at the University of Paris and earned a master's degree in French Literature and Art History. He later continued his education at the New York University Tisch School of the Arts.

Gerard has directed several short films and is currently developing two independent film projects. His short film Bartleby (2013) received a Director's Citation from the Black Maria Film Festival and was an official selection at both the Garden State Film Festival and the Twin Rivers Film Festival. Through his production company, New Waves Productions, his last film Creation Until The End: Bernard Requichot, just finished and is entering European festivals. Gerard is dedicated to promoting film as an art form and expanding public access to high-quality cinema.



Passport to the Movies Card:

As part of the experience, guests will receive a Passport to the Movies card. Each time you attend a film in the series, we'll stamp your passport. Collect stamps from all three films in the French series, and you'll receive a special prize from the Cranford Theater. It's a fun way to celebrate world cinema and encourage guests to complete the full cinematic journey.

CAST: Jeanne Moreau, Maurice Ronet, Georges Poujouly, Yori Bertin, Jean Wall, Elga Andersen

DIRECTOR: Louis Malle

RUN TIME: 92 min

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