Daybreak

Taciturn laborer François (Jean Gabin) cherishes the ingenuous orphan Françoise (Jacqueline Laurent) but grows increasingly disturbed by her attraction to a seedy entertainer, Valentin (Jules Berry). When Clara (Arletty), Valentin's assistant and lover, leaves him, she takes up with the reluctant François, who still continues to pine for Françoise. Amused by François' frustrations over his increasing attentions to Françoise, Valentin taunts him, bringing about a shocking and tragic act.