A Legitimate Defense

A Legitimate Defense — Plot

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.

• Release date
• June 11, 1958
• Runtime
• 98 min
• Genres
• Crime, Drama
• Director
• André Berthomieu

A Legitimate Defense — 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