Whirlpool

This 1933 French film's (with English sub-titles)first US showing was in NYC in November, 1939 under the title of "Whirlpool of Desire," and not just "Whirlpool." The story is about a newly-married couple whose happiness is shattered when the husband (Jean Galland-2nd billed)is made a paralytic in an automobile accident. The wife (1st-billed Jeanne Boitel)still loves him, although he is incapable of any physical love. She is slowly drawn into a short-lived affair with a handsome athlete, played by the 3rd-billed Maurice Maillot.

When the husband learns of the affair, he commits suicide. But the wife cannot forget him and she sends her lover away.

There were several elements of the plot ---adultery, suicide--- that conflicted with some of the "do & don't" MPPDA rules that may have held up this film getting a PCA approval seal for many more years than it took most import films of the era. The author credited on this film was the American-citizen Peggy Thompson.