Dr. Génessier (Pierre Brasseur) is obsessed with finding a replacement face for his disfigured daughter, Christiane (Edith Scob), mostly so he can absolve himself of the guilt from causing the accident that disfigured her in the first place. He has his assistant, Louise (Alida Valli), lure girls who looked like Christiane to his house, then attempts to transplant their faces onto hers.
This was re-edited for the American market and shown as The Horror Chamber of Dr. Faustus, because if there's one thing Americans are known for, it's a love of subtlety. I have no idea what that movie is like, but this one is very reminiscent of the pulpy, 50s creature features where science has run amok. It's got some excellent effects for Christiane's face in various stages of decay and atmosphere for days. It's not particularly scary, unless medical procedures make you squirm. If so, there's a full face removal scene that you may want to hide your eyes for.
The mask she wears has become an iconic image for good reason. This isn't necessarily the best French horror but it's definitely worth the watch. Currently streaming on The Criterion Channel. Also, don't miss the trailer for the re-cut American version they have, billed as a double feature with The Manster, half-man, half-monster. A truly lawless time.
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