Jacques Becker isn't one of the most famous french directors, despite severall very good films and "Casque d'or", which could be considered as a national treasure!
The film was inspired by real facts, which took place in early 20th century in Paris, and by one real character, whose nickname gave the film's title. She was a prostitute, famous for being very beautiful, and a gangster, probably his pimp was sentenced to death, after having killed a man, who took a little too much interest in Casque d'Or.
The film has a very simple plot, text isn't very abondant, but pictures are exceptionally beautiful. Most of the characters are prostitutes or "apaches" as french gangsters were called a century ago. They speak in a language that hardly exists anymore, sort of parisian slang, that sounds almost posh today...
Actors are well known, but a lot of people remember Signoret as a fat and very tired old woman, and Reggiani as a singer. For those who don't know Signoret as a gorgeous young actress, I advise them to watch the film. She is the film, from the beginning to the end.
No one either cries or complains, even when the worst happens, life being unfairly difficult, and poverty and violence just being the normal surrounding.
Casque d'Or is very modern, in an unfortunate manner, because things haven't changed so much...
This is a sad but not depressed film, because women stay there, they are hope.