Special Section
Section spéciale
Synopsis
In Nazi-occupied France, a German officer is assassinated. The Germans demand justice, and the Vichy government is quick to capitulate. Unable to apprehend the actual culprits, Minister of Justice Joseph Barthélémy decides the execution of token Frenchmen will suffice, but the problem is finding judges and jurors eager to participate in a sham trial of innocent men. The solution is a Special Section, a court comprised of individuals handpicked for this exact purpose.
Top Cast
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Louis Seigner
Le garde des Sceaux Joseph Barthélémy
Michael Lonsdale
Pierre Pucheu - le ministre de l'intérieur
Claude Piéplu
Bénon - le président de la section spéciale
Pierre Dux
Le procureur général Cavarroc
Heinz Bennent
Le major Beumelburg
Michel Galabru
Le président Cournet
Roland Bertin
Georges Dayras
Hans Richter
Le général Otto von Stülpnagel
Julien Bertheau
L'avocat général Victor Dupuich
Yves Robert
Émile Bastard
Bruno Cremer
Lucien Sampaix
Jacques Perrin
Roger Lafarge
Henri Serre
Préfet Ingrand
Julien Guiomar
Le substitut général Tétaud
Ivo Garrani
L'amiral François Darlan
François Maistre
Marquis de Brinon
Jacques François
Maurice Gabolde
Claudio Gora
Francis Villette
Release History & Theatrical Window
December 7, 1975
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Costa-Gavras
- Screenplay & Story
- Jorge Semprún, Costa-Gavras, Hervé Villeré
- Original Score
- Éric Demarsan
- Original Title
- Section spéciale
- Country of Origin
- France, Germany, Italy
- Spoken Languages
- English, German, French
- Runtime
- 1h 50m
- Production Studios
- Janus Film und Fernsehen, KG Productions, Les Productions Artistes Associés, Reggane Films, Goriz Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Costa-Gavras
Jorge Semprún, Costa-Gavras, Hervé Villeré
Éric Demarsan
Andréas Winding
Françoise Bonnot
Gérard Crosnier, Costa-Gavras, Giorgio Silvagni, Michèle Ray-Gavras, Jacques Perrin
Department Leadership Roster
Éric Demarsan
Original Music Composer
Costa-Gavras
Director
Jorge Semprún
Writer
Andréas Winding
Director of Photography
Hélène Nourry
Costume Design
Costa-Gavras
Producer
Costa-Gavras
Writer
Giorgio Silvagni
Producer
Michèle Ray-Gavras
Producer
Françoise Bonnot
Editor
Jacques Perrin
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Tous publics — Universal audience.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Special Section.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Special Section.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Special Section
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Special Section about?
In Nazi-occupied France, a German officer is assassinated. The Germans demand justice, and the Vichy government is quick to capitulate. Unable to apprehend the actual culprits, Minister of Justice Joseph Barthélémy decides the execution of token Frenchmen will suffice, but the problem is finding judges and jurors eager to participate in a sham trial of innocent men. The solution is a Special Section, a court comprised of individuals handpicked for this exact purpose.
Who directed Special Section?
Special Section was directed by Costa-Gavras.
Who stars in Special Section?
The principal cast of Special Section includes Louis Seigner, Michael Lonsdale, Claude Piéplu, Pierre Dux, Heinz Bennent.
When was Special Section released and how long is it?
Special Section was released in 1975 with a total runtime of 1h 50m.
Who composed the musical score for Special Section?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Special Section was composed by Éric Demarsan.
Is Special Section based on a book or true story?
Special Section is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Hervé Villeré".
What is the age rating and content advisory for Special Section?
Special Section holds official age classifications: FR: U (Tous publics — Universal audience.).