Pierre Fresnay (1897-1975) was a French actor, one of the most representative of classic cinema. Known for his natural elegance, impeccable diction, and an aura of distinction, he embodied complex and often ambiguous characters, from the military man to the intellectual.

Among his most celebrated performances is his portrayal of Captain de Boëldieu in Jean Renoir's *La Grande Illusion* (1937), a pacifist masterpiece where he portrays the aristocratic prisoner. He was also the face of unforgettable characters in Henri-Georges Clouzot's film noirs, such as *Le Corbeau* (1943), where he plays a doctor under accusation, and *L'Assassin habite au 21* (1942), in the role of the astute detective Wenceslas Vorobey.

He demonstrated his versatility with the touching portrayal of the protagonist in *Monsieur Vincent* (1947), a biopic about Saint Vincent de Paul, which earned him international recognition. Fresnay established himself as an emblematic figure of French cinema, capable of imbuing every role with depth and credibility.