The Professional
Le Professionnel
“Never leave vengeance to amateurs.”
Synopsis
Josselin Beaumont, a French secret agent, is tasked with assassinating Njala, the president for life of Malawi in Africa. A shift in French policy means that assassinating Njala is no longer an option. But instead of recalling their agent, high-ranking officials deliberately sacrifice Beaumont by handing him over to the Malawian authorities. Arrested, tried, and imprisoned, he nevertheless manages to escape. Back in Paris after a two-year absence, he informs his superiors through Colonel Martin that he will fulfill his contract during Njala’s upcoming official visit to Paris between the 12th and 15th of this month, and that he has a few scores to settle with the D.G.S.E. The question is, should Beaumont be stopped or not?
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Le Professional (Jean-Paul Belmondo) 1981 Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2012-12-23
Top Cast
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Jean-Paul Belmondo
Commandant Joss Beaumont
Robert Hossein
Commissaire Rosen
Elisabeth Margoni
Jeanne Baumont, épouse de Joss
Jean-Louis Richard
Colonel Martin
Jean Desailly
Ministre
Michel Beaune
Capitaine Édouard Valeras
Cyrielle Clair
Alice Ancelin
Pierre Vernier
Salvatore Volfoni
Marie-Christine Descouard
Doris Frederiksen, pute présidentielle de Mme Claude
Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu
L'inspecteur Farges
Pierre Saintons
Le président Njala
Gérard Darrieu
L'instructeur Picard
Sidiki Bakaba
Le prisonnier évadé
Dany Kogan
Sergent Gruber
Marc Lamole
Le serveur d'hôtel
Jacques Canselier
Le petit homme aux fleurs
Bernard Marcellin
Agent service secret 1
Jean-Claude Bouillaud
Agent service secret 2
Release History & Theatrical Window
October 21, 1981
Wide Cinema Exhibition
April 2, 2010
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Georges Lautner
- Screenplay & Story
- Michel Audiard, Georges Lautner
- Original Score
- Ennio Morricone
- Original Title
- Le Professionnel
- Country of Origin
- France
- Spoken Languages
- French
- Runtime
- 1h 48m
- Production Studios
- Cerito Films, Les Films Ariane
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Georges Lautner
Michel Audiard, Georges Lautner, Patrick Alexander, Jacques Audiard
Ennio Morricone
Henri Decaë
Michelle David
Alain Belmondo
Department Leadership Roster
Georges Lautner
Director
Michel Audiard
Screenplay
Alain Belmondo
Producer
Ennio Morricone
Original Music Composer
Henri Decaë
Director of Photography
Michelle David
Editor
Éric Moulard
Production Design
Georges Lautner
Screenplay
Paulette Breil
Costume Design
Jacques Audiard
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Tous publics — Universal audience.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Professional.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Professional.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Professional
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Professional about?
Josselin Beaumont, a French secret agent, is tasked with assassinating Njala, the president for life of Malawi in Africa. A shift in French policy means that assassinating Njala is no longer an option. But instead of recalling their agent, high-ranking officials deliberately sacrifice Beaumont by handing him over to the Malawian authorities. Arrested, tried, and imprisoned, he nevertheless manages to escape. Back in Paris after a two-year absence, he informs his superiors through Colonel Martin that he will fulfill his contract during Njala’s upcoming official visit to Paris between the 12th and 15th of this month, and that he has a few scores to settle with the D.G.S.E. The question is, should Beaumont be stopped or not?
Who directed The Professional?
The Professional was directed by Georges Lautner.
Who stars in The Professional?
The principal cast of The Professional includes Jean-Paul Belmondo, Robert Hossein, Elisabeth Margoni, Jean-Louis Richard, Jean Desailly.
When was The Professional released and how long is it?
The Professional was released in 1981 with a total runtime of 1h 48m.
Who composed the musical score for The Professional?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Professional was composed by Ennio Morricone.
Is The Professional based on a book or true story?
The Professional is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Patrick Alexander".
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Professional?
The Professional holds official age classifications: DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); FR: U (Tous publics — Universal audience.).