This film was restored by PATHÉ in 2014
I'll never see the law in the same light again.
I feel that I've discovered a hidden side of the law.
There's the legal system, procedure,
the almost theatrical aspect of the law.
And then behind all that...
TWO MEN IN THE CITY
My name is Germain Cazeneuve.
At the start of this business, I still believed in some things.
I never talk to my wife about this anymore.
She says fate is what caused it all.
She may well be right.
France has many prisons like this one.
And two guillotines: a large one and a small one.
One that travels and one in Paris.
My memories are full of suburban trains and prison walls.
Your Honor, last time
you transferred Gaston Fabre, the head barber, to category 1.
Today, I'm requesting partial release for him.
He still has six years left...
On life, then on 20 years, Your Honor.
He killed his mother to rob her.
I suppose he can only do that once.
Model prisoner.
Partial release can be tricky.
At least
I can watch him.
Approved. Next.
Gino Strabliggi, from category 2 to category 1.
Two years left out of twelve. Gang leader,
bank robberies...
You want to see him out already? I don't.
I'd say he got off lightly.
Until a possible pardon, he'd only gain a year.
- It would help him to fit in. - Strabliggi?
Irredeemable. Have you seen his eyes?
- Hatred and contempt. - I've seen tenderness there too.
That's all we need! You social workers are too much.
I know how you see us.
You'd treat the civil code as a novel.
Personally, Mr. Cazeneuve, I don't trust this Strabliggi.
He's no rat, nor a coward who'd kill his mother if he'd known her.
Take my word for it as a magistrate,
a gangster like Strabliggi can often seem friendly.
- But he's a wolf. - Hungry for freedom.
So he pretends to play by the rules.
And he will.
He's learned a trade and has a good woman waiting for him.
He'll never return to jail. I give my word.
That doesn't prove a thing.
Your Honor, I have some experience.
I've worked with offenders since 1946.
In 27 years, I've seen more than all of you.
Including so-called "incurable" ones.
You see us as an annoyance but we know what we're doing.
So you vouch for Strabliggi?
As for myself.
You'll put it in writing?
Absolutely.
Approved for Strabliggi. I hope he'll behave.
Words remain, Mr. Cazeneuve.
And public officials move on.
All right...
Last time, we talked about trust.
That wonderful thing we can't control.
Is that it, Strabliggi?
I'm talking to you, pal.
I'm listening.
Today, we'll talk about revenge.
You come across a car accident,
with an injured man by the road.
Well?
Don't stop in case you're suspected of causing it.
If someone's hurt, you have to stop.
By chance, he turns out to be one of your enemies.
What do you do then?
Why is he an enemy?
Let's say he stole your woman.
No one.
What do you mean?
No one can steal my woman.
For 10 years now,
she's played their favorite song for him every week.
How is he?
Well.
A bit on edge because he's counting the hours.
Your record's worn out.
I've played it so much.
I've changed it 20 times.
I must have played it 1,000 times.
And he still loves it.
Next week, he'll listen at home.
I hope so.
He hasn't changed.
- Neither has she. - No.
- Neither have we. - No, we look good.
You guys are easy to please!
Taxi?
Could you stop for a second?
Feeling queasy?
That's freedom for you. You need to walk for a bit.
- Feeling better? - Yes, I'll be fine.
It's too much at once.
Fresh air, oxygen, freedom, it's all...
What's up with him?
You're too young to understand.
He's tasting the breeze.
Get it?
- Hurry, please. - Yes, ma'am.
Well?
Marcel...
In person.
What are you doing here?
Me? Visiting friends. I heard Gino was out.
Yes.
And he's working.
No!
Aren't you?
You know, life is short...
So you shouldn't spend it in jail.
You're talking to a free man.
The last one alive maybe but...
It's Marcel!
- How are you? - I'm good.
- When did you get out? - Two weeks after you.
That's good.
Yeah, and already with wheels.
Congratulations.
And I've found two great guys.
- Is that Jeannot? - Yes.
And a young guy, a fan of yours.
Want to meet him?
Come on. It'll make his day.
Come on.
Gino, it's great. We're together again.
We'll do great things.
Especially with four of us now.
This guy has nerve.
I stick to my place.
That's a good start.
You have ideas?
Ideas?
No.
What the hell?
He's kidding.
I prefer that.
I'm not wasting my time then.
I think you are.
You're all wasting your time.
I don't like that.
Too bad.
Either you're wary or chicken.
I'm going straight. It's simple. I'm too old.
You got soft in jail?
Probably.
Hear that?
He's switched sides.
The authorities have turned him. We know now.
- And the authorities... - Enough!
Excuse him.
Do me a favor, Marcel.
Get lost. All three of you.
What's the problem, pal?
Why should I go on? It's not worth it.
Every week, I have to make 10 more a day.
Always at it, always at it...
It makes you crazy. Are they trying to drive us mad?
Don't they have enough?
Just be patient, pal. You'll learn a trade later.
Work all my life? Behind a wall?
No one gets pardoned now.
You weren't sentenced to be pardoned, right?
A pardon...
I'll give myself one soon.
Don't talk rubbish. I'll see the warden.
Are you kidding?
Have I ever lied to you?
You've lost all power.
We all think that in here.
Too bad, but you're no use anymore.
He has a job so let him do it.
I'm aware of that, warden,
but I'm paid to evaluate individuals and help them.
If you like. In any case, this fellow is an idler.
Not idle, just desperate, it's different. He can't go on.
Will the Ministry collapse if he makes 10 lanterns less?
Sorry, but the rules are the same for everyone.
Maybe, but despair isn't.
Mr. Cazeneuve... Showing zeal before retirement?
Shit!
- Too late to say that now! - Who could have known?
It's part of your job!
He hurt himself instead of you.
And you prefer that.
Where will this get you?
All your fellow prisoners will suffer.
Suffer... Did you hear that?
We've nothing to lose. We may as well croak now!
Drop your weapons or my men will open fire!
Let's do a report.
Who cares about a report?
Are you crazy? Don't you have a brain?
Firing, that's all you care about! Try talking to them!
- Tell your friends. - I have no friends!
Think this is a youth club?
Just put the guns away and leave us.
Your fine speeches...
- You're a dinosaur, Cazeneuve. - Maybe but I don't care.
Scum! Scum!
Bastards!
Freedom!
Freedom! Freedom!
Seen the time?
Yes, Dad.
Hello, Dad.
You have visitors. You forgot?
- Come on. - Are you ok?
Dinner almost burned.
- What's going on? - Nothing.
How are you?
Thanks for the invitation.
He called you a deserter.
And he's right.
Have something to eat.
I'm not hungry.
You left just in time, pal.
Yes, I know. I saw the papers.
Are things that bad?
It's just starting.
Even prisoners need looking after.
Amen.
I'm an old fart
for the younger generation.
I didn't say that.
If crime exists,
we need to attack its causes rather than the criminal.
Yes, I've always said that.
Blow the prisons up with dynamite.
- Frédéric, spare your dad. - You can stick
dynamite in the prison. I'm resigning.
I don't believe it. Are you serious?
Why complicate things when you're so close to retirement?
As he was banned from Paris,
Gino had found work in Meaux.
A criminal record and a ban from staying in cities
are society's two gifts to released prisoners.
- How's it going? - Fine.
Gino Strabliggi was executed this morning at 4:17.
That's not funny.
It could've been me if I'd killed a cop or a cashier.
But you only face one risk now:
that of your old friends trying to get in touch.
- If they find that fun... - Be careful.
- How's Sophie? - She's joining us.
I'm so happy to see you.
I had to say goodbye. We're moving.
You haven't done it?
You've resigned?
Yes and no.
I've been transferred to Montpellier. No more prison work.
But you know how much it matters. I bet some guy
still needs you there.
They're getting rid of prison workers?
No, they'll probably keep a few. On a social level, they have to.
We won't see you again. That's sad.
We have a few long weekends.
We'll go to Montpellier. It's easy now with the freeway.
Especially in that.
One previous owner.
A treat.
A fancy little motor...
Let's go! See you tonight!
I'll pick you up tomorrow on that one.
And that's a fair price.
No, really. Bernard already called. I said no.
I have homework to finish. I start at 8.
I'm pretty tired.
- Some other time. - Evelyne, what if the clinic calls?
I have to go. See you tomorrow.
The first one, please.
Some had just left prison...
Others were heading there if they didn't turn over a new leaf.
But they were all weak-willed.
They were their own enemies.
I had to protect them against themselves.
Any luck?
Not one bite.
It's nearly ready.
Watch my line.
Hold on a second.
Come a bit closer.
Come on.
- What about me? - You can jump, Evelyne.
Go on, jump. It's not deep here.
I've brought you someone.
My darling little wife.
Go ahead.
Germain?
It's Gino.
Gino! Did you get back ok?
Germain...
She's dead.
I don't believe it.
She liked it here.
So I left a rose.
The other flowers are with her.
Her family hated me for doing time, now they hate me for her death.
You're all I have left.
What'll you do now?
No idea. Try not to screw up.
You mustn't.
I have to get back.
Maybe I can find you a decent job in Montpellier.
A decent job?
Why not?
And you could help me out with my difficult cases.
I have some experience, true.
That's three Sundays you've pissed us off!
And we're being polite. During the week,
we work, ok. We don't twiddle our thumbs.
And on Sunday we try to sleep.
This isn't Paris. You're not in a rabbit hutch.
There are families here. And families are sacred.
It's true that you, you live...
You live without a woman.
But I'm normal, thank God.
Turn it off!
Try to be polite.
His Lordship requires fancy manners.
Let the police give him that. I'll call them, André.
No!
We'll sort it out between men. If he is one.
Between men, your women need a trip to the country.
Birdsong will calm them.
We're going to the police station!
Watch out. I know her, she'll go.
She needs a man in uniform?
Take it easy!
Very easy.
- The police... - There's no witness.
Turn off the radio.
Get out.
There, I turned it off.
What did you do to him?
I turned it off and he didn't move!
Hello!
How are you doing?
You've been here months and we never see you.
- And on Sundays? - I sleep.
- ... with my brother? - I'll come.
- Really? - Promise.
He came back to life.
Then, one day, he turned up with company.
She works in a bank.
And is she free?
She had a guy but I think she dumped him.
For you?
I like to think so.
Her mom's English and her dad's French.
They're divorced. She was raised in England and...
she decided she preferred France.
Could you talk to her?
Talk to her how?
About me.
About my past.
I've tried to but I can't manage it.
She'll find out one day.
She's moved in, so she should know.
Only right, isn't it?
This certainly sounds serious.
Come for dinner one night and I'll go for cigarettes.
I have to go to the prefecture.
- The burden? - Afraid so.
Still every two weeks?
Goodbye.
The burden is the parole log.
A book that the ex-con gets signed regularly by the police,
showing his pay slips.
In authorized towns only
because in banned towns,
harbor towns and large cities,
the police only allow informers to sidestep the ban.
For Gino,
I'd filed a request to sign on every quarter.
I was waiting to hear before telling him.
Gentlemen.
Sir.
Sir?
Strabliggi.
Strabliggi Parole log
Strabliggi!
Don't you recognize me?
I helped to arrest you and your pals in Paris.
Inspector Goitreau.
Chief Inspector Goitreau.
You're in Montpellier now?
Just got here.
I hear you're working.
Yes.
A good cover.
Planning to complicate our lives?
You're not preparing a job around here?
Sorry, I have to go. Thank you.
Goodbye, gentlemen.
Dangerous.
With a skill for taking people for fools.
Why wouldn't I trust him? He's skilled and intrepid.
A hard worker, always pleasant.
- I've suggested becoming partners. - Quite a project...
- You've thought it over? - Yes.
If he agrees, I'll expand the premises.
Since he arrived, I've already bought a new machine
and I might get an offset.
Print the proverb "Old habits die hard".
Meaning?
That he'll go back to jail.
- He just got out. Didn't you know? - I knew.
I see.
So what song did he sing you?
I have to tell you the truth.
No need, I know it.
Someone at the Justice Ministry vouched for him.
Very fancy. Bible in one hand, a blessing with the other.
We don't play prison workers.
We risk our lives to arrest such bastards.
He's not a bastard.
He's working now. What's your problem?
Thank you for coming.
But you needn't come back.
I'll decide on that.
Excuse me, miss. Police.
The police?
The time is right.
I'm out of cigarettes. I'll get some.
I already did.
Fancy a cigar?
- Good idea. - I'll be right back.
I have some.
Frédéric lost a bet on Cuba.
You have them. Go on.
Lucie, the matches...
We're out of matches.
- I'll fetch some. - Long ones.
- Very long ones. - Yes.
- Tell me, my dear... - Yes?
Do you know what my job involves?
Yes.
Gino told me you work with offenders.
Exactly.
It can't be much fun.
Not really. Do you know how I met Gino?
In prison.
He told you?
No, he didn't.
A police inspector told me.
An inspector?
He came to see me at the bank.
Who was he?
I forget his name.
He didn't seem to like Gino much.
If he comes back, take his name and tell me.
Not a word to Gino.
Does it bother you?
I love Gino.
Only natural. I'm fond of him too
but in a different way.
Has he left?
Well?
What did you talk about?
You, of course.
- Stuff that isn't my business. - Everything is.
Yes, if you tell me about it.
Same difference.
It bothered you to tell me.
Is it a problem?
Not at all.
I like it. Lovers have to have secrets.
Do you have secrets?
Yes.
What kind?
It's just a secret. No particular kind.
Maybe I killed someone or robbed them.
Maybe I'm married in England.
- Maybe you love me. - Maybe.
The best times were during the war
when I printed flyers.
You were risking your life.
That makes you feel alive.
You know, Gino, if I'd had a son,
I'd have liked him to be like you.
Gino!
Marcel.
Incredible! What're you doing here?
I'm working.
The words you use. Onto a job?
I'm working in a printshop.
I'm a real hypocrite. I knew that.
I heard about your wife.
I'm really sorry. I liked her a lot.
Thanks.
We just got back from Spain.
- A pretty good job. - Really?
Now we're settling in Montpellier
because Marseilles and Nice
are finished.
Let's have lunch.
No, I'm busy.
You mean...
friendship...
and all that... It's dead for you?
It's for your sake. They're watching me here.
- Because of the bank. - The bank?
I saw you have someone inside already.
And you think it's for the safe?
Put yourself in my shoes.
Keep your shoes. I've quit.
I suggest you do the same.
Play to lose and you never win.
I've already won. Look, I'm free.
Like hell. Free without dough...
At least take my address.
If you change your mind, come on over.
Number 5,
Rue du Fer.
There.
Think it over. You have two weeks to decide.
Remember the good old days.
All I remember are my 10 years behind bars.
Already forgotten?
No, but it's all experience.
That's why we mustn't screw up.
Believe me. Experience, buddy.
Third gear keeps jamming.
- Who pinched this crate? - Me.
Can't you pinch one that works?
- I head back out? - No.
The same as usual. We can't be too careful.
Two exits.
Here we go again.
Hello, Gino.
Aren't you at work?
I'm on my way there. The prefecture sent you this.
Shit, it'll never end!
Maybe it's good news about your parole terms.
Good news, sure!
The bastards!
Gino...
Believe me, Strabliggi,
we're all bastards. And why is that?
Because you think so.
Say you don't think that.
You enjoy getting others to talk rubbish?
Just making you comfortable.
I'm only comfortable outside.
- Where did you meet her? - And you your wife?
I ask the questions and you have a criminal record.
We can ban you from this town.
We tolerate you here, so answer more pleasantly.
Where did you meet the girl?
At the printworks.
She picked up her sister's baptism cards.
And you went to check out the bank where she works.
I was waiting for her.
A lucky break for a bank robber,
a girl who works in a bank.
You too, huh?
What?
You think I'm an idiot.
How could I know Lucie worked there when I met her?
I'd rob a bank where everyone knows me?
A branch that small?
Or another. You think about it.
For God's sake, have you seen my pay slip?
Have you seen how much I make?
More than me.
Only natural, I work.
Why would I steal?
I think you can't help it.
You think! Know what I think?
Of my death. I'm used to it.
So you met this young woman by chance.
Life is full of chance.
If you met old friends, would that be by chance too?
I love a woman and my job. I don't plan to see anyone.
Why? Have you seen someone?
No, I've decided to draw a line under my past.
- Bravo. Declare it and sign it. - Sign what?
- I've done no wrong. - Make the most of it.
No law obliges me to sign that.
Talking of laws,
I can hold you in custody for two days.
Empty your pockets.
- There's no reason. - There is.
There.
Hello. Is Gino here?
- He hasn't come back? - No.
I'm starting to worry.
Ok, thank you. Good night.
Every other evening, your father's drunk
while your mother has visitors.
The best solution for you is to flee the whole damn mess.
I can send you to Lyons.
Yes, thank you, I'd like that.
Give me the Lyons penal office, please.
- They've arrested Gino. - What's going on?
I don't know why.
Open up.
- Well? - Well, I'm sick of it.
I never act out of hate but I'm sick of it.
It's not their job to forgive.
I know but the unending suspicion has to stop one day.
Half the world keeps hassling the other half!
I just spent an hour with the commissioner.
Your past worries them here.
- They're doing their job. - Yes, Goitreau.
You scare him.
I'd like to but I'm not sure.
It's why he wants you to sign a document that covers him,
saying you no longer see your old friends.
- Is that clear? - Of course it is!
I have to sign. Over and over again!
It's not a problem as you don't see them.
Chance encounters happen, you know.
But if you act in good faith you can explain.
Why didn't I die in that crash with Sophie?
I'd have no problems now.
Come on, sign this to get out of here.
Sign it, all right.
Ok, if you say so.
He hasn't seen anyone...
Keep a watch on the door of 5, Rue du Fer.
Day and night.
Tomorrow, we'll have the mug shots of our potential clients.
Pure chance!
We met at the garage.
Marcel gave me his address. I forgot about it.
Why not tell the cops that?
- You were safe. - And the others?
They can stay off your back, pal.
They're heading back inside.
- Not thanks to me. - Just face things!
- I want to face myself. - Just words.
I want to look at a decent guy.
- So play dead when they call. - I did.
Thank you.
You look tired, Gino.
No, I'm ok.
Just split, Gino.
Go to Lucie's country.
This is my country.
Why would he leave?
We're stifling in this shit country!
Don't worry, pal.
This "shit country",
as my son elegantly puts it, still has laws.
Laws? You bet!
A bootlicking system!
It crushes people. But that'll change soon.
We'll hit the streets if we have to.
No one ever hit the streets for prisoners.
Why do I bother? And you find it funny.
It's true, I've never seen banners
for prisoners.
Don't argue because of us.
Good night.
Good night, Mr. Cazeneuve.
Good night, my dear.
Frédéric, what's so special about her?
Why? Jealous?
No, but what makes her better than me?
Life is so beautiful. You mustn't live in the past.
Probably.
Would you like to have a child?
- A child? - Yes. I'd like to have one.
A little boy. As handsome as you.
He'll be tiny like this at first, then grow and grow...
Until he's as tall and gentle as you.
We'll raise him to be happy.
And you'll love that too, you'll see.
I love you.
This is an obsession, old chap.
No, just a conviction.
By looking for a culprit, you may well create one.
I believe the boy has changed.
Into a lamb? The little angel...
That's too simple.
I always look for people's good side.
He's learned a trade, he's working
and he's more honest than most honest people.
Cazeneuve, I'm paid to doubt.
I know, I was a cop before the war.
You didn't stay?
No. After the war, there was such a rise in crime,
I thought I'd be more useful elsewhere.
Prison worker.
Yes, a prison worker who can report on what you're up to.
Hurry, before you look like a fool.
- Hello. - I need a word with you.
- Go ahead. - Let's go inside for some privacy.
I just saw Goitreau.
And?
You haven't seen Marcel and his gang again?
Are you sure?
- I'm not sure of anything. - That's no answer.
It's mine.
I'm asking you if you've seen Marcel and his gang.
What's up with you? You doubt in me too?
- I need to be reassured. - Don't count on me.
Too bad if you lose trust.
Search my life!
- What? - And I'm being polite!
I get it now, Cazeneuve. I'm your guinea pig.
I trusted you but you were scheming.
Want me to take a fall?
You could parade in front of me in jail.
I won't give you or Goitreau that pleasure.
The first one who pisses me off with his questions,
I'll smash his damn face in!
He doesn't mean what he says.
I hope not.
Miss...
You again?
The family seems edgy.
If you stayed away, that would help.
Have you seen the time? We're closing soon.
Bastard!
What's the damn racket about?
Look at the guy. He's totally nuts!
Are you crazy?
Sorry, I don't know what came over me.
You're sick.
It happens now and then.
You have time to lose.
He can lose everything.
Even his life.
Threats?
Barely.
Come on, it's late. Let's go and eat.
Chief...
They just arrived with a very heavy bag.
- How many are you? - 3.
We're on our way.
Stocks and shares. Useless. Burn them.
- Are you nuts? Why? - How would you cash them?
You said take everything. I think it's a dumb idea.
If you think it's dumb, it must be.
You're the expert.
Someone missed out on a big deal.
Swiss francs are better than dollars these days.
Quick, an ambulance. I want him kept alive.
And no reporters! No one!
A full blackout for now.
Recognize this?
It's your handwriting.
You bet he recognizes it.
Obviously, it's tough to take.
Quite a gent, that Gino.
But I'll help you.
You'll help us lock him away.
He tipped you off for the bank job.
You know he gave me your address
so I'd sort out his parole terms?
You've had enough time.
Stay out of this.
This is scandalous.
You forget who you're talking to.
This isn't a torture chamber. Get out!
- You're lucky we're in a hospital. - So are you.
Hello, Commissioner.
Hello, Goitreau.
How are things going?
Sir,
Strabliggi will fall like a ripe apple.
But we have nothing on him.
You think so?
Yes.
I'm wondering if you harbor a grudge against him.
I have no reason to.
I just think he's a danger
and I'll prove it.
I bet his girl already knows Marcel.
That proves nothing.
Only that they were close friends.
Strabliggi has always been their leader.
This latest bank raid was his idea.
But he didn't take part.
Don't get carried away by your memories
and the fact you nailed him 10 years ago.
Sir,
I've always worked without hatred or joy.
But I work.
Yes, I know.
Be careful.
Don't let him out of your sight.
We have to pick him up today.
You must have left the headlights on.
I can recharge your battery by this evening.
They rent out cars at that garage over there.
I'll take my wife's, it's ok.
- Can you recharge it for me? - Yes.
Don't worry. I'm not moving in.
It's very warm in here.
I'll tell Gino you were here.
You have to.
That's a wife's duty. But you're not married.
Does your family know Strabliggi's past?
That's my business.
I think so, like all the rest.
Could you come to the hospital?
Why?
Is Gino hurt?
No, to see a wounded man.
I'm not interested.
Well?
Will you come quietly or do I summons you?
Let's be friends.
It's in both your interests.
Imagine I tell the bank manager
you're living with a bank robbery expert.
I'd be doing my duty. He'd fire you on the spot.
As pretty as you are, it's natural to hesitate.
Goitreau!
- I'm gonna waste you! - No, Gino, stop!
- Stop it! - Bastard!
Stop, Gino!
Stop!
Your daughter will take care of you.
I have an emergency at the clinic.
See you tonight.
- Need a fire engine? - It's nothing.
Scrape it a little and it'll be fine.
- Think so? - You bet.
Dad!
Gino killed that cop.
- What the hell? - Listen.
Inspector Goitreau's corpse was taken to the police morgue.
His killer, the ex-convict Gino Strabliggi,
was arrested at the crime scene.
Thank you for coming.
Mr. Raquin, please.
- Is this him? - Yes, it's him.
Recognize them?
What? When he saw us,
he dropped the sledgehammer.
That's right. I remember.
For you, it's just a minor detail.
You enter premises,
smash cars with a sledgehammer...
Nothing much at all.
That day, I hit the metal to avoid hitting that cop.
This incident is to my client's credit.
Smashing others' property with a sledgehammer.
The court will decide.
I'll simply record the witnesses' statements.
Come here, Mr. Gauthier.
- Do you recognize him? - Of course.
We live on the same floor.
We're glad he's no longer there.
Carry on, Mr. Gauthier, please.
Don't be afraid.
All right... One day, he slapped my face.
A Sunday.
- Do you agree? - Is there a witness?
Why would I lie?
I have no reason to.
I'm guilty of killing a police inspector.
- Isn't that enough? - I have to look into your life.
Look into it? With blinkers.
One day, I stepped on a man's foot on the bus.
You should try to find him.
The girl who just left testified against Gino.
She heard him threaten Goitreau at the bank.
And there's worse.
The psychiatrists' report.
A born criminal...
Fully accountable, a social outcast...
How can anyone be a born criminal
and also be fully accountable?
I'd ask for a second opinion.
The second opinion backed up the first.
I attended the trial,
confident in the legal system that I worked for.
I expected mitigating circumstances.
Gino had a right to them.
This court is in session. Bring in the accused.
Be seated.
I have nothing but praise.
Punctual,
hard-working,
he always did more than his share.
A man can't be a crook
and display such professional conscience.
In other words, in all your time as an employer,
you've never had a better worker. Yet you've had good ones.
Yes, but a long time ago.
Had each one of them killed a police inspector too?
No more questions.
The only witness to the crime was the accused's lover.
Her testimony could be deemed partial.
So it was erased from the record.
Then came my turn.
Wake up, jury members.
Come, come!
Sorry, but two gentlemen were sleeping.
They may regret it later, especially with bad luck on trial.
Strabliggi is simply unlucky, Your Honor.
Long ago, he made a mistake and paid for it for 10 years.
I had often gone over what I wanted to say.
But I used other words,
I made my points in the wrong order.
He forgot everything and he's here in front of you
who unfortunately forget nothing.
We don't require a plea from you.
And I regret that.
The legal system isn't on trial here!
I have a personal opinion of our legal system.
I think it must be fair but not fierce.
It must fully understand the person it is trying.
The crime and its reasons.
The witness forgets the accused is no ordinary man
but a criminal.
Mr. Prosecutor,
who among us, at least once in his life,
has not wanted to kill someone in a fit of rage?
Over a road incident, a parking space...
It happens every day.
The witness excuses everyone.
He has an excuse anyhow: fate.
Fate led him to a man determined to bring him down.
Sir,
should we punish the victim
and sentence fate?
Precisely, fate.
You should understand it and take it into account.
And not sentence on conviction alone.
There, that's all I had to say.
Your Honor, gentlemen of the court,
members of the jury.
When the prosecutor stands to speak
and demand fair punishment,
he may not be understood at times.
But, today, I'm sure that I will be.
My eyes will avoid the accused's box
to look at the audience, these young people
who speak to me of a country's hopes.
The prosecutor had a way with words.
I shall first talk about a fair and good man.
An admirable father.
An exemplary husband.
The dead man's family was in full mourning.
The prosecution gave them excellent advice.
Inspector Goitreau became France's top cop
with his skill and courage,
while Gino became a cold, heartless and unscrupulous killer.
The foreseen conclusion...
Members of the jury,
by rejecting mitigating circumstances,
you will make a grave decision:
the capital punishment that I request for the accused.
With a certain sadness because of its definitive nature
but with the strong feeling that I shall have done my duty.
At first, the high stakes found Gino's attorney
way out of her depth.
Your Honor,
members of the jury.
For two days now,
we've heard about Strabliggi, the repeat offender,
and his 10 years in jail.
I too can talk to you
about 10 years of promiscuity,
filth, food you wouldn't dare give to your dogs,
straw bedding, the guards' scorn and insults.
The slow degradation of what makes a man,
his self-respect.
Even so, some of her words continue to haunt me today.
On a regular basis,
I'm sad to say,
the daily papers write about our prisons
with their ever more frequent suicides,
with their mutinies born of the despair
carefully maintained by a decadent system.
Moreover,
they avoid showing in his true light
the one responsible for this tragedy,
a policeman more stupidly zealous than truly evil.
The Public Prosecutor has spoken brilliantly
about the death penalty.
Yet we see nothing to be proud of.
We,
the people of France,
in this instrument of torture,
this cleaver,
more worthy of an under-developed nation
than the light of the world we claim to be!
Silence, please! Or I'll have the court cleared.
Your Honor,
I know, as Pascal said,
that justice...
I remember that the judge was doodling
and one jury member had dozed off again.
But I don't understand the law and its judges!
Members of the jury,
once again we find ourselves
in the shadow of a guillotine erected by a prosecutor.
What has he asked you to do,
but summon the executioner
to lift this man's severed head by its hair
and toss it in a basket.
Members of the jury, for pity's sake, do not collude in that crime.
Don't increase the shame.
What can the accused add
in his defense?
Nothing.
The late hour made me think of people leaving a theatre.
Gino had been sentenced to death and I refused to believe it.
Come on, my dear, don't stay here.
Come on.
After three months, his appeal was turned down.
Our final hope was a plea for clemency to the French President.
Ask to meet the President.
In what capacity?
- Is it for Gino? - Yes.
What can I do?
Nothing. Some pray but that's no solution.
She loves him, you know.
She's young. She'll forget.
- Germain... - What?
Would you have given her to him?
I've nothing to give or to take.
Life takes care of all that.
Gino's attorney was back from her audience with the President.
He would reject or grant a pardon within the next 72 hours.
We were both eager to hear back
and afraid to hear back.
It's the Ministry, warden.
Yes, speaking.
Very good.
All right.
My respects, sir.
- Counselor Bodart, please. - That's me. What is it?
Thank you.
Don't go, please. Don't go.
Your clemency plea has been turned down.
Be brave.
My son,
I bring you the comfort of religion.
No.
No thank you.
I'm scared.
Do you wish to write to your family?
Do you have a statement to make?
And then behind all that,
there's that thing I saw, a killing machine.
Subtitles: Ian Burley
A 4K restoration carried out by Eclair Group on the image
and by L.E. Diapason on the sound with the support of the CNC