A Legitimate Defense
En légitime défense
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.
Top Cast
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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
Léonce Corne
Baudin, l'imprimeur
Mona Dol
La mère de Dora
Georges Hubert
le commissaire de police
Tania Florey
une danseuse
Pierre Doris
le patron de "La Nouvelle Eve"
Robert Rollis
un journaliste au tribunal
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- André Berthomieu
- Screenplay & Story
- Frédéric Dard, André Berthomieu
- Original Score
- Paul Bonneau
- Original Title
- En légitime défense
- Country of Origin
- France
- Spoken Languages
- French
- Runtime
- 1h 38m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
André Berthomieu
Frédéric Dard, André Berthomieu
Paul Bonneau
Walter Wottitz
Gilbert Natot
Paul Wagner, Maurice Lehmann, Gustave Jif, Fernand Rivers
Department Leadership Roster
Paul Wagner
Producer
Walter Wottitz
Director of Photography
Frédéric Dard
Writer
Maurice Lehmann
Producer
Raymond Nègre
Production Design
Gustave Jif
Producer
Gilbert Natot
Editor
Fernand Rivers
Producer
André Berthomieu
Writer
André Berthomieu
Director
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Frequently Asked Questions About A Legitimate Defense
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is A Legitimate Defense about?
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.
Who directed A Legitimate Defense?
A Legitimate Defense was directed by André Berthomieu.
Who stars in A Legitimate Defense?
The principal cast of A Legitimate Defense includes Bernard Blier, Philippe Nicaud, Maria Mauban, Pierre Mondy, Jean Lefebvre.
When was A Legitimate Defense released and how long is it?
A Legitimate Defense was released in 1958 with a total runtime of 1h 38m.
Who composed the musical score for A Legitimate Defense?
The original motion picture soundtrack for A Legitimate Defense was composed by Paul Bonneau.