In a small fishermen’s village in the Azores, an enormous whale is being jointed, carved and stocked. Once this task is over, the whalers ready themselves for another hunt, a fascinating but trying and dangerous experience.

Scripted by his friend Chris Marker, this compelling debut short documentary from director Mario Ruspoli combines eye-opening 16mm footage with Marker’s always-insightful commentary. On initial release in 1958, Les hommes de la baleine found two welcome champions in Eric Rohmer and André Bazin!