A Legitimate Defense

Story

Synopsis

Two friends from the last war, Pierrot, a bar owner, and Gustave, a police inspector, are in contact with a notorious gang of racketeers in Montmartre. Tired of putting up with Albert the King's demands, Pierrot kills the gangster during a bar brawl. His first instinct is to flee, but on Gustave's advice, he turns himself in to the law. All things considered, he'll be safer in prison than exposed to the reprisals of the "underworld". Pierrot goes to trial. He was acquitted as having acted in self-defense. But his release leaves him open to the vengeance of Bob, one of Albert's accomplices. Pierrot narrowly escapes an ambush, but is finally able to rid himself of the threat hanging over him, thanks to the friendship of Inspector Gustave, and finally reunites with the companion of his life, Dora, who has never stopped trembling for him.

Director

André Berthomieu

Writers

Frédéric Dard, André Berthomieu

Language

French

Country

France

Release date

11 June 1958

Ensemble

Cast

• 

  Bernard Blier

  Gustave Martinet

• 

  Philippe Nicaud

  Pierre 'Pierrot' Lambert

• 

  Maria Mauban

  Dora

• 

  Pierre Mondy

  Petit Bob

• 

  Jean Lefebvre

  Georges, le barman de "L'Ami Pierrot"

• 

  Robert Dalban

  Albert dit "Bébert le Caïd", un gangster qui rackette et persécute Pierrot

• 

  Rosy Varte

  Rita la Gitane, une prostituée

• 

  Daniel Cauchy

  Dédé, aide de Bébert

• 

  Jean Lara

  l'avocat de Pierrot

• 

  François Darbon

  l'avocat général

• 

  Paul Bonifas

  le président de la cour

• Monique Tanguy

  Ginette, amie et collègue de Dora/Adrienne