It's not the filmmaker's intention to defend Gustave Minda's ethical code.
Persons and circumstances portrayed herein have no basis in fact,
and therefore no judgment is called for regarding the police methods
portrayed in this work of fiction based on a novel.
A man is given but one right at birth: to choose his own death.
But if he chooses because he's weary of life,
then his entire existence has been without meaning.
SECOND WIND
Adapted and Directed by JEAN-PIERRE MELVILLE
- It's set for December 28. - All right.
If all goes well, you'll get what we agreed on.
And if it doesn't?
The job's set for December 28. Forget your trip.
I'll just go and come back.
But you could be delayed in Paris... against your will.
You're indispensable here!
Pulling this off is a huge risk, and without you -
Without me? I'll be back tomorrow.
That bastard Jacques the Lawyer got us into this.
We'll settle that later.
I need you here, Jeannot.
No one's irreplaceable. Ciao.
What did you do this evening?
I went to the movies.
- Was it good? - Not bad.
Good thing the cashier will be back next week.
What's wrong?
Gu's escaped.
Let's go home.
Alban, two cognacs.
I can't believe it.
Ten years ago I offered to help him.
He told me to let him die in peace.
I was even afraid he'd kill himself.
Now, at 46 years old -
Alban.
Gu's escaped.
We've got to find him and hide him.
What happened?
- Did you see anything? - No.
Then shut up. None of us did.
- Look out below! - What is it?
- See you tomorrow. - Is Madame ill?
No, it's Jacques. Have everyone out in five minutes.
They're here!
Let's go! Everyone in the wagon!
Don't touch him!
Who shot him?
Her?
No, it wasn't her. She's the boss.
No one asked you. You'll talk later.
I doubt he'll tell you much.
That's why l...
Evening, Manouche.
Jacques Ribaldi, aka "Jacques the Lawyer" due to his law studies.
He got a bellyful of slugs.
Probably several shooters. He didn't have time to use this.
Maybe you had better luck?
Always the joker, inspector. You know I don't use a gun anymore.
Because all your enemies are dead.
- How can you say that? - Don't act too shocked.
Besides, if Manouche is all right, that's all you care about, right?
Come here, gentlemen.
I suppose there were no customers tonight.
Gentlemen, the food on the plates gives no indication of a hasty departure.
Some were having appetizers, some dessert.
Perfectly understandable.
Maybe the Queen of England was hitchhiking nearby - can't miss that.
Meanwhile, here's Alban.
He didn't see a thing.
He was crouched behind the counter, chasing away flies.
When he looked up, the bad guys who'd charged in
for some yet unknown reason were gone.
He couldn't say whether it was one man
or a tribe of desert nomads, right?
That's about right.
Malicious gossips might say Jacques was sweet on Manouche here,
but what could that have to do with it?
Manouche didn't see a thing. She was bent over the cash register.
Here's the second bartender, Marcel Le Stephanois, if memory serves.
The sinister assailant scared Marcel so
that he couldn't identify him now.
He hid behind the counter.
Our Marcel's a timid one.
He didn't see a thing.
- That's amazing! - Take your time.
My story exactly. It's like you were here.
Gentlemen, look how forthright and accommodating our witnesses are.
Ah! Let me introduce the valet,
an upstanding citizen whose name escapes me.
He saw customers come in but heard nothing
due to the roar of traffic, trucks and train whistles.
Then he saw customers leave - nothing out of the ordinary.
They told him a man had died. He's still in shock.
Are you strong enough to speak, my child?
It's true! What a shock!
But enough. I'm no torturer.
Don't be shy. Have a seat.
Any village idiot could see that no one here saw a thing,
and they're not paid to know why the customers rushed out.
Not everyone's born with an inquiring mind.
I'm finished, gentlemen.
No point. Right, Alban?
The kitchen help must have all gone home.
It was a lot of people for no customers.
Obviously we're wasting our time with these sweet tots.
Would you do me the same favor as two years ago?
It's all current.
Employee names and addresses -
for all the good it will do the judge.
Call them to come get the body.
How very curious.
It seems they shot into the street on their way out.
Unless someone shot at them from inside.
Alban, I hope you killed at least one! We'll know in a few days.
We've got a body for you.
We'll take the body away.
The rest of you know the routine.
You're to be available at all times. Don't leave Paris without notifying us.
Did he have family in Paris?
Not that I know of. They live in Bastia.
His mother and two younger brothers are still alive.
And now you're alone.
Too bad the ante is so high.
It's over, Manouche.
You can all go.
It's one hell of a crossroads.
Someone new comes along, and everything changes.
Good night, Alban.
A little something to read to her tonight.
FORMER PUBLIC ENEMY #1 GU MINDA ESCAPES
...SERVING LIFE SENTENCE FOR "GOLD TRAIN" HEIST TEN YEARS AGO
- He's been in a coma for two days. - Didn't you call a doctor?
Sure, but he's delirious. He keeps calling your name.
I'm going to Paris with you.
Jacques kept asking me to go away with him.
Maybe he really did love me.
Freeze!
Call Manouche.
Aren't those rods a little heavy?
What did you do with Alban?
Here to finish the job?
Depends.
I've been on the scene for 15 years. I know the score.
You don 't know everything.
You must be fed up with all this crap.
We can put an end to it.
- For how much? - We're not greedy.
- Five million each. - And if I say no?
Hands up!
Don't talk, Manouche.
You two, face-down on the floor.
Search 'em.
Who's got the key to the handcuffs?
He's out cold. And tell him not to say my name.
Playing cops, were you?
You let rubes knock you out these days?
Get up, you two.
Hands down.
It's easy from behind, huh?
Now we'll have a little chat.
What's your name? - Henri Tourneur.
Who sent you?
Don't make me repeat myself.
Jo Ricci.
Keep going.
My friend over there knows him.
Said he had a once-in-a-lifetime deal, that we should sit tight.
And then?
We went to see him every night.
Tonight he told my friend the client was ripe.
Why tonight?
They killed Jacques three days ago.
What did you know about her before coming here?
Only that she couldn't go to the cops.
I got it.
Alban, let's go. The keys.
He's got 'em.
Manouche!
Where are we going?
Floor it. We're almost there.
I told Manouche to wait outside Ville-d'Avray.
Gu, my place is out of the question.
The cops have been on my back for three days.
The guy in charge is a crafty one.
I know. Blot.
He's made quite a name on the inside too.
There's Montrouge.
That's right.
What's that?
Don't worry. You'll be nice and cozy there.
This'll be your kingdom for a while.
Here are the keys.
- Who sent for him? - He's my wife's cousin.
I can't stay, but let's get him buried in the backyard.
Why didn't you let me know? I'd have come to get you.
Did you take the train?
No, I drove. I'm flying right back.
Why the sudden trip?
Our cigarette business with Jacques the Lawyer.
He and Jeannot are dead. No more squabbles now.
Jeannot Franchi is dead?
You'll miss him. You always did need a partner.
No... not always.
One... two...
Too slow, Yvette. That's it.
I went to see my brother,
but I realized it would never work.
But I've got another idea.
Orloff's back in France and passing through Marseille.
I know. He works alone. Always has.
1 00 million could change that.
My thought exactly.
I asked him to call me tonight at home.
Better yet, that he come in person.
My home's more discreet for Orloff than here.
I sent my wife to visit her family.
We'll be alone.
Thanks for coming.
When Paul calls, I come.
I've got two friends I'd like you to meet.
I have a job to offer you.
Pascal Leonetti.
Orloff.
Antoine Ripa.
You want to start the New Year with 200 million?
One can start the New Year lots of ways... or not start it at all.
Well, not with this job. I have inside information.
It's a month from now. We'll know the time and everything.
Two motorcycle cops escorting a van with 1, 100 pounds of platinum.
A five-way split, 200 million each, including my inside source.
So the four us and him.
Is it so hard finding someone for such a big payoff?
Why do you think you're here?
Your confidence touches me deeply.
I assume you've worked out details and I need only say yes or no,
so I'll ask no questions.
I'm not saying no, but I'm not saying yes either.
I need a week to give you a definite answer.
We must be ready in four weeks.
I know.
You'd still have three weeks to find a fourth, or you three could do it.
Three men can't pull it off.
Three's already a lot.
I've done lots of small jobs myself,
but a million in platinum requires special care.
Meanwhile, you're free to keep looking. It's only fair.
That way I won't hold you up.
- How about a scotch? - Just a drop.
To our future collaboration.
Would you step in here a moment?
Find out where these two guys hung out.
Tourneur and Bartel were at Jo Ricci's bar every day.
Petty thugs picked off by a first-class killer.
- Mrs. Simone Pelquier. - I'll be right there.
Hello, Manouche.
Hello, inspector.
I'm glad I found you in.
I've come for permission to leave Paris.
My cashier is back.
I need to forget all this.
It's gotten me down.
One couldn't tell from looking at you.
Manouche, you know how I feel about this sort of thing.
Lots of women would relish men killing each other over them.
There's no greater homage.
I don't ask for that much.
Look here.
These represent two men's death.
Riddled with holes in a barely concealed car,
as if it didn't even matter if they were found.
The mark of a pro.
Go wherever you like. Sell everything.
Find other people, lead a different life.
It would be better for you, Simone.
You know...
it's kind of late for that now, inspector.
For a woman like you? You're kidding.
- Well? - Permission granted.
Good luck.
What do you think?
- Very dangerous. - Much more than you think.
But these people need a lot of freedom.
I'll go see Jo Ricci tonight.
His brother Paul messes around in cigarettes in Marseille.
Jacques the Lawyer was killed over cigarettes. Jo Ricci knows it.
The two stiffs from Ville-d'Avray hung out at Ricci's bar.
And Manouche is calm and relaxed,
Like she's been helped... by the very best.
Look at this guy.
He was very rich once. Now he's broke.
He won't leave France like that if there's another option,
and there's always another option. He's more dangerous than ever.
Gu, it's me!
She's coming here for dinner tonight.
I thought you might like to dress.
She has word about getting you out of here.
I'll be going. I can't leave the bar unattended.
No need to be afraid here. Only the three of us know.
Leave everything. She said she'd handle it.
It's me.
You shouldn't have. I wanted to take care of it.
Why? You're my guest, aren't you?
It's not a very nice place.
You know where I came from, and what's waiting for me.
Meaning?
Every cop in France has my picture in his pocket.
So?
A picture isn't the same as the man.
The cops aren't exactly geniuses.
That reminds me: I saw Blot this morning.
And?
It was a touching courtship.
He said I could travel anywhere I wished, etc.
Complete freedom. Know what I mean?
Sure I do.
We have to dance to Blot's tune.
Gu...
we've been crooks since we were kids.
If we can't get you out, we're in sad shape.
In any case, I'm never going back there.
What about me?
What about you?
What'll happen to me?
Manouche...
don't you understand?
You know what happened.
I gambled and I lost. No one was to blame.
Now they're after me, and they always will be.
Come on.
- Evening, inspector. - Evening, Jo.
The same good taste, I see. - Spend the evening with us.
That could be very pleasant.
Colette and Marceline.
What'll it be? Cognac? - I never drink.
But if I might offer these young ladies a drink...
- A tomato juice. - Me too.
And I'll have the same.
Colette and I always go out together.
We never leave each other's side.
I wouldn't want to appear overly confident,
but I'll try to cancel a prior appointment.
May I use your telephone? - Of course.
Sorry about those little vixens, but I'm here on business.
Careful not to work too hard, inspector.
Tell the girls my friend left.
I've got two corpses on my hands, and you came to mind.
- You're too kind. - Any news from your brother Paul?
He's a good boy now, all settled down.
I trust he won't be entering the convent.
When Jacques the Lawyer was bumped off, I thought of Paul.
Everyone knew Jacques... and Manouche.
You know me too, and I'm not stupid enough to believe
that Jacques died because of Manouche.
We all have our little ideas.
Don't be a wise guy.
I'm not here to bust you. You said we all have our little ideas.
And here's mine.
First, you weren't in on it.
Paul's cutting down his competition in the cigarette trade.
Jacques was a big fish. Now Paul's sitting pretty.
But not entirely,
because I know something you don't.
Three days after Jacques dies,
two thugs who weren't even third-rate
take a one-way trip to Ville-d'Avray.
You saw their names and mugs in the paper.
I knew them... as customers, of course.
That's the Jo I know!
- What'll you have, inspector? - A cognac.
So this Tourneur and Bartel came to your bar.
Two low-class burglars.
But they get knocked off like big shots.
You realize what a mess those two idiots walked into?
You'd almost think they were sent on purpose.
There's a house just 1 0 yards from where the car was found,
and no one heard a thing.
It means they were shot in the car, on the road.
I stayed up all night digging through old files.
You'll never guess what I found.
Francis the Gimp, killed 15 years ago. Straight stretch of road and bang!
No one was ever arrested,
but everyone back then thought it was Gu.
I find that amazing.
Don't you?
That's strange.
Gu has escaped. You know that.
Gu means Manouche and Alban.
You're with Paul... and Jacques, by extension.
But Jacques was also with Manouche and Alban.
So those stiffs, hanging around here, must have heard about Manouche.
See my point? - I hadn't thought of that.
Don't bother. I'm paid to think.
Sometimes I can't stop.
So our two altar boys hear that Manouche's man got plugged
and figure a friendly visit to the widow might fatten their wallets.
Off they go... only to run into Gu.
We'll learn all the details later...
maybe.
At this rate, he'll be back in the can in no time.
That would suit you fine.
Me?
What the hell do I care about that dago?
- Well, he might care about you. - Why?
Gu must have wondered who sent those two.
I think those two softies spilled the beans.
So your name came up.
Gu couldn't be too happy seeing someone harassing Manouche.
To hell with Gu! He'd better not come looking for trouble!
I'm not responsible for my customers.
Fine.
But what if he thinks otherwise?
He knows your whereabouts, but you don't know his.
Do you?
Not yet, but I will.
Gu is crazy!
Your kid doing okay in school?
Yeah. I'm sending him abroad to study.
Bravo! I hope you're alive at diploma time.
I'm not scared.
Courage won't keep you out of danger. Think of your family.
Listen, we have to meet again. I can't think now.
You know what to do. I'll show myself out.
It's me!
I was sleeping.
So I see.
I'll take these so she won't go nuts looking for them.
She's leaving. - Leaving?
Says she can't take it anymore.
The rain never stops here, and you need some sun.
She'll shake them first, then find you a hideout in Marseille.
Her cousin has a boat. Theo Cassini - know him?
Vaguely.
He'll know how to get papers. Depends where you wanna go.
I'm flat broke.
I can't go abroad empty-handed.
I know a place in Italy, but you need at least something.
And there's something else.
I'm not leaving without setting things straight.
I'm not gonna let Jo Ricci take over.
That stuff still sticks in your craw, eh?
You'd die before you'd let me do it alone,
so I might as well forget about it.
Let me drive you at least.
Here's Jo Ricci's bar on rue Washington, with a back entrance.
His private residence on the Place des Etats-Unis.
Tap both those lines,
the bar and his apartment.
I lit a fire under Jo. He'll make a move. He may have visitors.
- What kind? - The fatal kind.
But we can't know in advance.
Make a move if you're sure, but don't go first.
Anyway, there won't be time beforehand.
So Chapter 1 : Jo swallows molten lead.
Chapter 2: If we can't move in, we wait for Chapter 3.
And who do you say will be there?
Gu and Alban.
- Easy as pie. - On the contrary.
Alban is Manouche's bodyguard, and an ace marksman.
Her fine health is ample proof.
And you already know my thoughts on Gu.
If Gu shows, no Christmas turkey for Jo.
Only they can kill him. Otherwise he'll die of old age.
If you can't get a clear shot at Gu and Alban,
stay out of sight.
Take Le Terrier and a few other men.
It's now or never. Jo's not likely to stay in town long.
Go on.
Boss?
Le Terrier's in the bar. Alban's strolling down the street.
And more news: Ricci's flying to Corsica at 2:00 p. m.
I'm on my way.
They were loading Ricci's Ford with suitcases outside his apartment.
We can catch him at the bar if we hurry.
Pass by and don't stop.
It's one-way.
The next street.
Circle the Arc de Triomphe and come back.
We've got men at both corners. Where's Le Terrier?
- Inside. - Get him out here.
Alban was checking the back entrance.
Let's hope it doesn't get more crowded.
Here we are.
There it is.
Let's go. I'm not going in.
Did you see something?
No, but it didn't feel right.
It's best if I leave you alone.
Manouche will send word, and we'll figure out what to do.
- If it isn't dear old Alban! - Hello, Inspector.
- Wandering around? - Out for a stroll.
- Me too. May I join you? - If you like.
- How's your lovely boss? - She's gone.
Already?
She had enough of all this.
How long a vacation?
No, she really left. For good.
Everyone's taking off today.
I know a guy who just flew off to Corsica.
- Lucky man. - Indeed.
But you're staying?
I have to take care of Manouche's affairs.
I haven't heard a peep about a certain Gustave Minda.
He's got all-terrain camouflage.
That guy's like a wild boar.
Tough to track down,
and he'll kill two or three of your dogs in the process.
I'm not thrilled about hunting a man like him.
I suppose not.
Well, I'm going to cross here.
Be careful crossing.
Good luck.
Long live the crooks.
Tell Le Terrier and Godefroy we're done for the day.
Theo, I need your help.
Find a furnished house around here.
Money's no object. Just no names.
A secluded little house to hide someone.
Who no doubt wants to set sail for abroad.
It's Gustave Minda.
I thought so.
- Can you arrange it? - I've got just the thing.
My father's old house. No one goes there in winter.
Good. I'll get it ready.
You're saving his life.
What about the boat?
Gu's no small fry. It won't be easy sneaking him out.
But I'll try. Does he have papers?
- Not yet. - We'll take care of it.
What's she thinking?
She'd pack me off in a crate marked ""this side up."
I could spend the whole trip upside-down!
- She says there's cops everywhere. - No kidding.
Think it was easy breaking out of the pen?
I'll do it my own way. I'm leaving in ten days.
I'll do what I can to help.
Here.
I've got what I need.
This one's different. It's never left my side.
Good old Alban.
Hello, Theo.
Is your boat in good shape? - It floats.
It may be sailing for Sicily soon.
I may have an important job.
Me too - for southern Italy. Maybe we can combine them.
I'd rather not. Is the risk in leaving here or arriving there?
More like in between... and arriving there.
Anyone important?
Yes.
You'll have enough to retire soon.
- I'll only charge this guy for expenses. - You've changed.
The thing is he needs papers.
I can tell you. It's Gu.
Gu?
I'll see to his papers. When does he want to leave?
- They're waiting on me. - They?
His sister too. But she's not on the lam.
Tell them the papers will take a week.
Tell him to grow a moustache
and to give you two pictures, or a negative I can develop.
Don't mention me, of course.
- What about money? - Ah, yes.
It's odd, but I'd like to do him a favor too.
Ah, something else.
Ask Gu if he's interested in 200 million before he leaves.
Life in Miami is sweet for millionaires.
200 million?
It's the job I mentioned.
I can take my time to decide, but Gu can't.
It's in three weeks.
Tell him I need an answer right away.
Meanwhile, I'll take care of those papers. See you.
See you.
We just have to wait.
Theo will get papers and let us know the date.
I'm in no hurry to get to Italy broke.
We're not broke.
I'm talking about ""me," not ""us."
- I thought I was traveling too. - You are.
It's Theo.
Thanks.
I've got news.
I need two pictures for your papers.
I've got a camera. I'll take care of it.
Another thing...
What would you say to 200 million?
Some guys need a hand,
and everyone gets 200 million.
200 million francs? You're not interested?
Too risky. I'm too old.
That's just great! It's not risky for Gu?
The Gold Train wasn't exactly child's play.
I'm still alive, aren't l?
What about your buddy Roger?
- No one forced him. - No one's forcing you now!
- I have no choice. - No, I won't allow it.
He's not doing it.
Who's behind this job?
Paul Ricci.
- I'm in. - Fine.
If I'd known, I'd never have come to you!
Come on, Manouche.
I know I can trust you men.
Your caution in choosing a fourth weighs in your favor.
Only the sum involved stopped me from saying no on the spot.
But I've thought it over carefully.
An attack on the open highway could only last seconds.
How will you get past the motorcycle cops so quickly?
We'll kill 'em.
There you go.
In that case, 200 million isn't enough.
Not 100 billion, not all the gold in the world.
Count me out.
Now, if you've got a moment, I know a man who'd join you.
No one asked you to do that.
- The risks are great. - A foreigner?
You know him well. His name is Gustave Minda.
Gu Minda? Every cop's after him. I thought he'd be long gone.
Gu?
In this hellhole?
He's leaving, and his situation calls for a little adventure.
Of course, he doesn't know it's you.
Tell him I say he's in and to ask for anything he needs.
He won't.
He didn't get any younger in the can.
I know guys who bunked with him in the pen.
He's washed up. He could crack any minute.
- Yet he escaped. - Yeah... with plenty of help.
Bernard, the guy who escaped with him,
jumped off a cliff when they surrounded him.
Best not to get surrounded.
Three men escaped.
Not a scratch on Gu. The other two are dead.
I'll vouch for him as if it were myself.
You wouldn't be working with him.
Gu will ride with Pascal and me.
He'll be just as good as Jeannot.
I have no doubt of that.
It's after that I'm not so sure of.
After... and during.
But I'll do my job and take my share.
If he cracks up, you'll do his part too.
""After," you say?
That's right.
Gu's behind the times. He's old-fashioned.
There could be consequences.
I'll vouch for afterward too.
In that case, I'm in.
Can we work out details with Gu?
You can meet here two hours before.
When will you know? - The day before.
I know the place and the day, just not the time.
You let me know, and Gu will be here.
And don't mention my name. Gu doesn't know I'm behind this.
He'd want to see me, and it's safer not to know where he is.
You trust him or not?
Gentlemen, I wish you the best.
I've had about enough of that chump.
Don't let it show.
What could he do? He's all style, no action.
Live a nice long life and enjoy your millions. Forget Orloff.
THE NIGHT OF DECEMBER 27-28 Tell Alban luck's on our side and not to worry.
What if something goes wrong? What will I do?
It'll be great when you come back. You'll see.
Here's Theo now.
THAT SAME NIGHT, 11:58 P.M.
The van leaves Toulon tomorrow at 2:00 p. m. with two motorcycle cops,
headed for Cadarache via secondary roads.
There'll be a guy up front with the driver...
and another sitting on the crates inside.
I'm glad you're here, Gu.
- How are you, Gu? - Pascal.
Antoine Ripa.
Hello.
- Gypsy? - Yeah.
Sit down, Gu.
Antoine, get him a drink.
How are you feeling?
Don't worry. It'll be fine.
It's reassuring having you on the team.
Tell me the details, Paul.
We're hitting the jackpot,
but it's all timed to the second.
Here it is.
It's wild terrain up there.
Antoine hides a station wagon in the bushes
and waits at the top with a rifle.
There's a shed there to lock up the three guys.
I've got a hideout for us six miles away.
Two motorcycle cops will escort the van.
We come along in the Mercedes.
Half a mile from Antoine's lookout,
a little side road curves off the highway.
We'll wait there for the convoy to pass.
We can't follow them long or they'll catch on.
We hit them the moment Antoine shoots the first cop.
The second cop...
the second cop...
I shoot him from the car. The guys in the van panic.
We tie them up and head home, right?
Thanks.
What if they beef up the escort at the last minute?
No risk of that.
My informant gives the orders for the convoy.
He specified two cops, no more.
There'll be twenty 55-pound crates of platinum in the van.
I know the kind. This big, with handles?
Right.
I think that's everything.
You know...
if we could avoid killing the cops -
But we can't. If one gets away, it's all over.
And the guys in the van will be armed.
Only fear will freeze them in their tracks.
- You got tarps? - Tarps?
To cover the bodies. No point hauling them around.
Not a bad idea.