The Papin sisters murder case, which inspired "The Maids", is to France what the Lizzie Borden case is to the United States. (Two victims in both cases, both killed with axes, with the murders committed within a single household). Anyone who wants to read an excellent account of it should look up the article "Murder In Le Mans", in the hardcover collection of the best of the original "Vanity Fair" magazine from the 1930s. My favorite moment in it was a point in the trial when the defense attorney for the sisters tried to argue that the murdered employer, Madame Lancelin, had been a tyrannical, excessively demanding mistress. The judge -- who certainly sounded as though he was speaking from experience -- rolled his eyes, looked heavenward, and murmured: "God knows that there are many Madame Lancelins on this earth."
The best film adaptation of Genet ever. Brilliant acting by the two leads. This was one of the best AFI films, along with the Iceman Cometh, The Homecoming and Three Sisters. The only problem was the casting of Vivian Merchant, who's acting is fine, but madame is supposed to be beautiful. Well worth seeing.
