The feature-film debut of famed director Louis Malle, Elevator To The Gallows (Ascenseur pour l'échafaud) is a film noir with the classic theme of lovers plotting to kill the husband and make it look like suicide. Jeanne Moreau, as Florence Carala, leads her young lover down a path that can only lead to doom for both of them. Malle and cinematographer Henri Decae make extensive use of Paris at night, giving the film the feel of claustrophobia and desperation reminiscent of the classic noir films. The score by Miles Davis adds to the entire effect of this mystery thriller. -- Linda Rasmusson, allmovie.com