AllMovie

The first of Maurice Tourneur's two 1931 films, Maison de Dance is the story of dime-a-dance girl Gaby Morlay. Plying her trade in a Spanish port town, Morlay is lustfully pursued by her boss, as well as by two brothers, both local fishermen. Eloping with one of the siblings, Morlay touches off a violent confrontation between her new husband and his married brother. Her boss joins in the fray, threatening to kill both husband and wife. Suddenly the husband's brother knifes the boss, allowing Morlay and her chosen mate to escape to a new life together. It's a sordid story, elevated to artistry by the inimitable Tourneur touch.