Albert Simonin

Albert Simonin (1905–1980) was a French novelist and scriptwriter. He was born in the La Chapelle quarter of the 18th arrondissement of Paris. His father was a florist. Albert was orphaned by the age of 16. His novel Touchez Pas au Grisbi featuring the Parisian gangster Max le Menteur was turned into a movie starring Jean Gabin that is regarded as a classic example of French film noir. Simonin co-authored the screenplay for the movie. After World War II, he spent five years in prison for collaboration.