A Legitimate Defense (1958)

Plot Summary

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.

Full Cast & Characters

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

Director & Crew

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