Flic Story (1975) Movie Script
My name is Roger Borniche,
Inspector with
the National Security Forces
I'm a cop.
I love this fucking profession.
But that morning, I'd rather
have stayed in bed with Catherine.
Catherine dreams of getting married,
of making it legal.
But I have to become
chief investigator first.
I'm already doing the job.
I only lack the title
and the salary.
I've solved some major cases
since I've been in this joint.
The boss can't deny that.
But that particular morning,
I had no idea of what was about
to fall on my head
Hi, Borniche.
Morning, Roger.
Well?
Well, nothing.
Bullshit!
Leave me alone with him.
If you think you can do better...
I'd like to believe you, Raymond.
I always tell the truth.
So the day of the shooting,
the 17th, you weren't in Paris.
You were in Rouen.
At my brother-in-law's.
He'll confirm it.
They say they saw me in my bar,
but they were outside.
They're obviously wrong.
Or they want you to do wrong.
I don't doubt it.
Then why did your pals beat me up?
They're impulsive.
You too, sometimes you're impulsive.
Not on the 17th,
but on the 16th, the 20th or the 22nd.
All right.
I'm magnanimous.
I'll release you.
- What for?
- You give Lieutenant Clot information.
Why not let me have it first?
But I'm not an informer!
I could name some of the guys
you've brought down.
Scumbags who worked for the Gestapo.
That's different.
I wonder why you were not decorated.
Right. I'll be right there.
Make up your mind.
I'm going to see the boss.
That'll give you some time
to think it over.
- Keep an eye on that guy.
- Sure, Roger.
Come in.
Buisson has escaped.
Buisson?
Never heard of him.
You weren't here
when he earned his stripes.
Fine list of holdups.
A Bank in Troyes before the war.
In '42, the rue de la Victoire holdup,
a cashier shot.
I want you to get Buisson
before the Paris Prefecture does.
We'll show Clot that
the National Security Forces exist,
that the Paris Prefecture doesn't have
a monopoly on criminal oases.
Be careful though.
It probably appeals to you.
Else, I'd be department manager
at some department store
Go on, get your informers at work.
By the way,
I'd like to release Pelletier.
That's going too far.
The Basque was shot
when coming out of his bar.
He says he was in Rouen
and his alibi will hold out.
I think he has a deal with Clot.
How about we cut in?
That's what I like to hear.
- You'll be accountable.
- Yes, I know.
Make Buisson a priority.
Get his file from the archives.
If you pull this off,
I promise you'll make
chief investigator this time.
Say, guys.
Does the name Buisson
mean anything to you?
The gangster who
broke out of Villejuif?
The chief wants us to get him.
Archives, please.
- What about Raymond?
- We let him go.
Speaking of which,
I don't much like your methods.
Want me to offer him a candy bar?
That's an idea.
Roblin? Borniche here.
Could I have Buisson's file?
Thanks, I'll send Darros.
So, it's a deal.
A deal?
I didn't agree to anything.
If you don't agree,
I'll make sure it gets around
that you inform for Clot.
You really think I'm a slut.
That's why I'm giving you
my phone number.
I'm a pervert.
I love sluts.
Anvers.
What about my bar, may I open it?
Of course.
If by chance one Buisson ever stops by
for a drink, let me know.
Buisson? Are you crazy?
You know him?
I probably saw him around in the past,
as many others did
Thought he was still in the can.
He got out
on good behaviour.
This is Suzanne.
She was Pete of St Etienne's girl.
Shot him during
the stickup at Marseilles's train station.
I know.
We'll stay here for a while.
In any case, I can't go home.
The cops must be there.
They must have checked the files.
- The driver'?
- Mario the Wop?
He's dumping the car.
Don't worry. He's solid.
When Mario comes back,
have him find another car.
Do we need one just yet?
Suzanne, no errands to run?
Bring back the evening paper.
Got a change of clothes?
I want to go dancing this afternoon.
Can't that wait?
I hate to keep squealers waiting.
Cheers.
Hello, baby cop.
Hello, big girl.
A good day?
Hectic.
Bernier was out.
I had to answer the phone.
A long wait for the bus.
Take the subway.
There's no waiting.
Roger, I have the car for Sunday.
The Talbot'? Fantastic.
I went to the garage at noon.
My father finally gave in.
Refusing anything to you is hard.
If you'd been my daughter,
I would've made a very bad father.
What are we doing tonight?
Nothing. I've got to read
these files for tomorrow.
I'm sorry!
"Devil in the Flesh" is playing
at the "Normandie".
You promised we'd see it.
We'll go next week.
It'll play for a while.
Why don't you change jobs?
Your attorney boss needs clients.
This is the guy who escaped
this morning ?
Yes, that's him.
He is insane?
He acts like he is because it's easier
to get out of madhouses than prisons.
Is he dangerous?
Very.
Probably because of his
unhappy childhood.
His alcoholic father
made him steal food for them.
That doesn't make priests, you know
He's at the point of no return.
All we can do for him
is keep him from killing
to save his neck.
You should've been an attorney.
Maybe.
Borniche, National Security.
- Jean-Baptiste Buisson's file, please.
Everyone wants that one today.
First row.
May I help you, gentlemen?
Hands up.
Everyone up!
Come on, hands up!
Bastards!
Put the dough on the table.
Jewels, lighters, everything.
Quick!
Come on.
Earrings.
The ring.
Now!
Don't move!
The cops.
- You okay?
- Yes, fine. Get moving.
Be careful, they shot at me.
Stop!
Mado, open up.
Is your man here?
- What's the matter?
- We need to stay here for a while.
It's stormy outside.
Good to see you, Raymond.
I'll be damned!
I wasn't expecting -
Can I wash up?
Go right ahead.
There's water at the bar.
We'll go to the back room.
You haven't changed in five years.
That's a load.
Grandma's inheritance.
We want top price.
All right.
I'll see the Armenian tomorrow.
You know his terms'?
You'll get your cut too,
but be quick.
Thursday good?
Deal.
- 4:00.
- Fine.
Mado, bring us a bottle.
"Officer Schmitt Dies
as Result of Injuries."
That's pure Buisson.
Description fits.
That's his style.
The guy escapes,
forms a new team,
and he's back in business.
He doesn't waste any time.
Unlike you.
You're not getting anywhere.
How can I get him in a week?
- The press says you're a super cop.
- I could do without the press.
Listen up.
Just get moving.
Paris will spare no effort.
What exactly are you doing?
Aside from smoking
one cigarette after another?
We're watching his brother's place.
The Paris guys are there already.
Find something else.
I'm doing nothing but that, Sir.
You're wanted on the telephone.
Raymond Pelletier.
Will only talk to you.
Inspector?
It's about your friend.
What friend?
The one who's out
on good behaviour.
Oh, I get you. Well?
A man will come to my bar
at 4:00 on Thursday.
Just follow him,
and he'll lead you to the right place.
Fine. Thank you.
There he is!
Let's go.
We've met before, miss.
- Where do you live?
- Paris.
That's where I've seen you.
May I use the phone?
Give me a coffee.
In Marseilles.
With my uncle.
Hidoine just called.
We must join him with the boss.
Here's the address.
I hope he'll confirm that.
If not, we'll have to
have a little talk.
- He's here.
- Where?
the first on the left.
I followed Jean-Baptiste Buisson here.
He went into a building
I'll stay with Hidoine and Darros.
When we know exactly
where they crash, I'll get them.
By yourself, Mr. Maigret ?
The local precinct will help.
Got it.
But if you lose Buisson, I'll send you
south to arrest chicken thieves.
I know.
Robert, here's a quick bite..
A beer, the other one's for Darros.
Go easy on it.
Get lost!
- Here. Dying of hunger?
- Just about.
Leave some beer for me.
Now what?
It's too early to move in.
What about those guys?
Do they wait for dawn
to kill everyone?
Dammit!
Hey, the cops!
Cut the crap.
Get up!
We've been ratted out.
Get to the sixth floor.
You can escape by the roof. Hurry!
I'll see if it's clear.
Quick, clear off!
Stop! Police!
Dammit!
The ambulance is coming.
- Hello, Germaine.
- Morning, Chief.
Hey, Borniche.
For a former paratrooper,
you're not much of a jumper.
Chief, please...
If you'd pulled it off, the problems
with the Paris Prefecture wouldn't matter.
Clot claims he'd laid a trap for Buisson
and that we fouled it up.
- Fuck Clot!
- Yes but in the mean time,
we're in it up to our neck.
Chief, we have Buisson's
brother and an accomplice.
- What is it?
- Still nothing.
We're searching the area
room by room.
That's it.
- See? Still nothing.
- So?
The brother will get off
with one month the hospital.
- And the girl?
- She won't talk. She's a real panther.
I have a meeting
with the director at 2:00.
You know what that means?
Give me a detailed report.
Who's calling?
Catherine.
I'm fine. Who told you that?
A pack of lies!
Roger, why are you
talking to me like that?
I know. I'm sorry-
Forgive me.
Really, Catherine, I don't know.
I'll try to get away.
I'll do my best.
All right.
I'll call you in the evening.
Yes.
Yeah, love you too.
But you don't realize!
Three or four days
while I get him a room.
Thanks.
I've found something...
In Champigny.
A former junkyard worker.
He is a friend.
When you see the Wop,
give him the address.
Tell him to come asap
with magazines for a Colt 45.
All right.
Goddamit! You're dead meat, Bollec!
I'll see your head in the sawdust
the same day as Buisson.
I'll bust your balls.
You'll never use them again, you swine.
Never again!
It was -
What was his name?
Repeat your bullshit.
Repeat it!
George Muller!
That's the name I knew him by.
I'll make you eat your own shit,
you bastard,
if you go on taking me for a jerk!
You're not in the slammer yet, buddy.
He says the guy on the roof
wasn't Buisson.
Interesting.
We'll see if your statement
matches your sister's.
Then we'll have a talk.
You got a minute, Lucien?
Now what is it?
You know.
Want me to give a free ride
to a scumbag who killed a cop?
He might not be the one.
Anyway you don't need to overdo it
to do your job.
Roger, you're breaking our balls!
You act important,
but you're not the boss.
Guys like that are vermin.
And we crush vermin, get it?
If your brother or father
had got gunned down,
you might see things differently.
- You think so?
- I'm sure.
Deep down,
you're nothing but an amateur.
Let me tell you a story, Lucien.
A story I never tell.
It just so happens that I had a brother.
A brother whom I loved a lot.
In '44, the Lauriston Street
Gestapo got him.
You catch my drift?
They gave him a free ride
like yours and he died.
You can't confuse!
I didn't become a policeman for that.
When I joined up,
I knew I might be killed.
But I also knew that being a cop
didn't give me all the rights.
Using certain methods...
lowers you under
those you call vermin.
Did you send
Hollec's P.38 to the lab?
Yes.
Nothing to tell me?
I don't talk to cops.
You prefer gangsters.
To each his own!
With gangsters no routine.
At least they never have time
to dirty my bed sheets.
You'll be charged of failure to report.
It's good, isn't it?
Buisson is a killer.
He wouldn't hesitate to shoot you down..
So rat him out would be a good thing?
There were guns at your place,
and Buisson, who killed a patrolman.
You'll end up at the criminal court
with the whole gang
If it can make you happy!
Believe me, your going inside for 4
or 5 years won't make me happy.
Thank you.
I won't insist.
If you don't cooperate,
we'll put you inside.
Not bad, eh?
- Mind if your brother's guillotined?
- He hasn't done anything!
Unfortunately, he has.
And soon you'll have to choose
between Buisson and him.
Well, my colleague
will ask you a few questions.
He'll write down that you refuse to answer
or refuse to sign.
That's all.
You're in a real mess.
I'm the only one who wants
to help you.
How kind!
Your go!
Your name is Suzanne Bollec.
Is this gun yours?
You had it when we arrested you.
- You can't deny it, can you?
- I didn't use it.
You couldn't use it.
It was jammed.
Unfortunately,
I've just received the ballistics report.
The bullets from your P.38
were found in the body
of Alfred Thibon...
Freddy the Accordionist.
Mean anything to you?
He was shot down
on September the 3rd,
You don't waste time.
I had nothing to do with it.
But that's only an appetizer.
We can't expect thugs to settle scores
playing hopscotch.
But your small gun was also used
to kill Officer Schmitt,
highway patrolman
and a father of three.
The photo enlargement leaves no doubt.
Look at your gun.
It's not mine!
No need to shout.
I showed it to your sister.
She recognized it.
I doubt it.
My sis knows zilch about guns.
Then tell me why
you were carrying it.
When I was clearing out,
I took the first gun I found on the table.
But it's not mine.
Oh, yeah. That's right.
It was one...
What was his name?
That's right, Muller.
So it's Muller's gun.
You're trying to fuck me?
You've got nothing against snails, I hope!
They're very good.
A police officer brings them
from the countryside.
It's Sunday tomorrow.
Shall I wake you for church,
Mr. Chabert?
Priests...
I guess you don't like priests much.
You were lucky.
I'm glad to see you.
Did you bring supplies?
Get me a grenade.
A fragmentation grenade
from the army.
What do you want to do with it?
Blow up the first cop
that comes my way.
- I went to the Armenian's.
- And?
He disappeared two days ago
with the jewels.
What do you make of that?
The doctor said not to stay too long.
Number four.
I'd bet you're a cop.
Have a seat.
Nice of you to come see me.
I get bored here, miss my pals.
What's your name?
You're switching roles, Jean-Baptiste.
I don't see why the cops
are always the ones to ask questions.
You're not the famous Borniche, are you?
I heard you have gangsters
for breakfast.
What about talking of the Arbois Inn
and Officer Schmitt?
We haven't got much time.
They said you tire easily.
I'm fine. Stay as long as you like.
This is routine.
You've got a fag, Borniche?
I'll have one later
and think of you.
Thanks, kid.
Got a light?
What do you call your guy?
Doesn't ring a bell.
You might not even know your brother?
I read in the papers that he'd escaped.
I'll tell you : my brother's problem
was that he kept bad company.
Otherwise, he never would've
hurt anyone, not even a cop.
I have no doubt about that.
On September the 3rd, I was in Dijon
at my sister's. She'll confirm.
I hope that in court you'll have
a better defense system.
Listen, Borniche,
I don't want to waste your time.
I'm 52. You can't think
I'll fall into your fools' traps.
I know nothing.
Since 1937, I've lost my memory.
Exactly 10 years ago.
Covered by the statute of limitations.
If you get that,
you got it all.
Leaving already?
If I've got it all,
there's no need for a statement.
- Here. It's the real stuff.
- Thanks, cop.
Deep down, you're not a bad guy.
Come back to see me.
I'll tell you all about Indochina.
It might teach you something.
The inquiry is Judge Boissenade's work.
You'll see.
He's a very serious guy.
That would be the last straw, the justice
system in the hands of clowns!
Bye, Borniche.
If you meet mile,
say hello for me.
If you've got enough time.
Put your hands on the bar, Raymond.
Where are the jewels?
The Armenian, he's checking them.
I told your brother.
You know where my brother is?
You listen to the radio, don't you?
I've just come down.
I went to bed late.
You scum!
Borniche, National Security.
Raymond Pelletier, the owner.
Shot down behind his bar.
It was Buisson, wasn't it?
I was upstairs.
I saw nothing.
I came down when I heard the shots.
Has he come here?
Did he come to see Raymond last week?
Raymond was straight.
It's disgusting to kill him like that.
Buisson's crazy.
You don't have to protect him.
Who was he with?
Leave me alone.
Isn't this enough?
Who did he come with last week, Mado?
His brother and...
And?
Mario.
A wop.
He has a broad.
She's a hooker
in the Strasbourg-St. Denis area.
Do you know her name?
Jenny.
Is that all you can tell me?
Isn't that enough?
She's blond, Polish.
Thanks, Mado.
The Polack's in conference.
Choose another one.
Well, wait...
She just went up, I'll call her.
I don't want her.
I want the Wop.
Who? The Wop?
I'm in a hurry.
Don't tell me you don't know Mario.
Yes but I never see him.
You'll find a way to see him.
If not, I'll have your rotten joint busted
I've got reasons enough
to put you in the slammer.
You like the program?
He never comes here, I swear.
He spends time in the Etoile area.
You can phone him rue Troyon
at the bar des Calanques.
I knew you wanted
to help the Justice of your country.
If he's really done something wrong,
it's quite natural that I help you.
It's quite natural.
There.
- Evening.
- Number four.
Don't forget the tip, baby.
Go on.
Help! Robbery!
What's the matter with you?
You're crazy.
You'll call me at the Calanques?
I'll call you at the Calanques.
I came to make your bed.
I didn't ask you to.
- What are you looking for?
- Nothing. Now I know who you are.
I just want to help.
Get out of here
and don't come back.
Wait at the end of the street.
- Don't be long.
- Ten minutes.
- We don't want to miss the beginning.
- You'll see your movie.
Good evening, Ange.
Good evening, Inspector.
I'll have a martini.
- What's wrong, Ange?
- Nothing, I'm fine.
You look out of your depth
A little nauseous.
I must have eaten something bad.
Take care of your health, Ange.
We'd hate to lose you.
Do you know him?
An Italian.
I was told he is a regular here.
You were told wrong, Inspector.
Malicious gossip.
- You mean harm to this Italian?
- No!
Think about it. When we want someone,
it's always for his own good.
That's really true.
No, you'll offend me.
Then I'll offend you.
See you soon, Ange.
Good night.
You know who's just left?
A cop.
Not just any cop,
Inspector Borniche.
What did he want?
To know if Mario came here.
That's interesting.
Goddammit.
I was scared.
You should've told me.
I would have shot your buddy.
The cases and the bullets
are from the same Colt 45.
So?
The same gun killed Pelletier
and the bank collector from Draveil..
Buisson again.
Roger, you're wanted
at the wire-tapping.
I had the phone
in the Calanques Bar tapped.
A friend of Buisson's receives calls there.
You never know.
Thanks, Mr. Legal.
What a weather!
All we need is snow.
We've got a recording.
Somebody phoned Mario.
It must be Buisson.
Don't come. I've moved.
What time tomorrow?
5:00 in Vincennes Forest,
Champigny Highway.
Where exactly?
The Fourchette,
behind the yellow cabin.
- What car will you have?
- A black Simca.
Bye, Mario. See you tomorrow.
Roger, he's leaving.
Let him go.
We'll get him through the Calanques.
If he sees he's followed, it's over.
I'll never get it.
We bust our ass to catch guys,
and once we get them,
we let them go.
I've waited more than one hour.
Strange that he didn't show up.
He changes his mind sometimes
without telling.
Put yourself in his shoes.
On the run, you get wary.
We were supposed to go and see
the factory in La Plaine-St. Denis.
We haven't got much time.
Payday is Tuesday.
Yes, it's urgent.
Gentlemen.
Hello.
Jeannot, the friend I told you about
for the next job.
- The meeting?
I'll explain later.
- Miss.
- Coming.
My treat.
Looks like the food's good here.
It's very good.
I didn't expect to see you here.
Well you see...
no one ever expects to see me.
Sometimes I can be seen.
What does that mean?
Nothing.
I'm having fun.
I like to have a laugh
now and then.
Paulo said you often ate here,
so we stopped by just in case.
Me too.
Good night, gentlemen.
Now, let's go to my place
and have a drink.
Where is it?
Ville d'Avray. I've got a little place
on the road to Versailles.
I can't. I have a date with a girl
when she's off.
She'll wait.
It's not bad for girls to wait.
You can't refuse a drink.
Must be the ignition.
I'll take a leak.
Not a bad idea.
Now, Wop!
What are you doing, mile?
You were born in the Year of the Rat,
weren't you?
You're insane.
You asshole.
Keep out of this.
Paulo.
The Wop was a snitch.
I didn't have time to tell you.
The cops were waiting
at our meeting spot today.
He won't be talking to them anymore.
Let's clear out.
Quick!
Hurry up!
Quick!
Bastard!
"Worker, Former Resistance Member,
Victim of Killer Buisson."
gave his life for the Capital."
"While Mr. Jules Moch's police
are beating up miners in the north,"
shamelessly killing innocent workers."
"What are our Maigrets
of the National Security doing?"
"Where are these cops,"
"...called 'supermen' by certain
members of the press corps."
That's for Borniche.
If they attack Jules Moch,
Mr. Jules will pick on us.
With the communists
coming after us,
In the current climate,
it becomes a farce.
- Where's Borniche?
- It's his day off.
I'll give him days off!
You'll all get days off!
You clueless dunces!
No more Buisson case for you!
I'm taking you off it.
Get me Borniche at home.
Yeah, hurry up.
Good morning.
Yes, he's here.
I'll get him.
It's for you.
- Who is it?
- The boss.
Morning, Chief.
I can't answer so fast.
You know I've done everything I could.
Okay.
As you like.
I'm more likely to get him
than Degreffe.
See you tomorrow, sir.
What was that about?
I'm off the Buisson case.
He woke you to say that?
He's insane.
He's a civil servant.
He's afraid of his superiors.
You can't let yourself
be abused like that.
Some days.
Some days what?
For God's sake!
10,000 bread tickets,
as many gasoline tickets,
and you deny it?
What, the devil works
in your print shop at night?
You should check my employees.
Nice work.
Come on.
Be reasonable.
If not,
we might get mad.
Roger, you must come with me.
A corpse in the woods near Versailles.
The chief chose us.
How kind!
I'll leave you with him.
I advise you not to waste our time.
Didn't find much.
It looks like a settling of scores.
Let's see the face.
Come look.
It seems to be the Wop.
Mario?
It sure is.
Good grief!
How's that for luck?
- You know him?
- Yes!
We may also know who killed him.
Super!
You fuck with us with us
when we work now!
Turn it down a notch.
What do you want?
You've got a warrant?
Warrant or not,
you'll come with us.
I don't have to!
I wasn't soliciting!
- That guy is your fianc??
- Yes!
We're only looking for
Mario's murderer. That's all.
I don't give a damn about Mario!
I got nothing to do with him.
If he croaked, that's too bad.
I dumped him more than a year ago.
You want me to give him
a first class funeral?
You might know his friends.
I know nothing!
And I've got nothing to say!
All I've got to give is my ass!
That's good enough for you?
As you like, Jenny.
But we won't forget.
I see.
You'll send me eggs.
For Easter!
What you laughing at, you jerk?
Come to think of it,
you knew him too,
Mario the Wop?
No, not well.
His buddies?
I never saw his buddies.
You never saw anyone with him
next door?
No, I swear, Inspector.
I'm just warming up, buddy!
- My glasses!
- You don't need to see.
You just need to talk to us.
You skunk.
Well?
Who did Mario see?
If you got nothing to say,
we'll get you for running a whorehouse.
Your deal with the Vice Squad
won't help!
I don't know.
He was often with Paulo.
Paulo?
Paulo what?
The bulged. This guy,
his wife is sick.
- The syph?
- No, TB. She's in a sanatorium.
She spits blood.
Where does he live?
I don't know.
It's probably in our files.
Come on.
Alias Paulo the Bulged.
Listed in the special file,
"Fight Against crime."
Paul Roubier, alias Paulo the Bulged.
Born March 29, 1904.
This might be a good lead.
- Well?
- Look.
He was with Buisson in 42
at the Rue des Victoires holdup.
He got off free
for lack of evidence.
Rue des Victoires
or rue de la Victoire?
Rue des Victoires.
I'll send out a wanted notice.
No, you just need to find his wife.
What?
Don't be sad.
See you next week.
- You give me a ride to Paris, Roubier?
- What do you want?
We're not in the same club,
but we can still have a chat.
The Pacra factory is offering one million
to anyone helping to arrest the killer.
The killer is mile Buisson.
You sometimes stick your neck out
for less.
You should try to use your little
thug brain.
What you're doing is disgusting.
If you refuse to talk,
it'll get even more disgusting.
You need streptomycin
to save your wife.
I promise I'll get some
from the States.
You're hesitating between
a killer like Buisson and your wife's life?
Something else.
I know you were a friend of
Mario the Wop.
He shot him for nothing.
The Wop wasn't an informer.
We'll spread the word around.
But in case you wouldn't cooperate,
I'm sure you were
in the factory holdup.
And I'll prove it.
I'll do what's needed to send you
in the slammer for 15 to 20 years.
You'll never see your wife again.
I'm disgusted with myself.
Me too.
But we have no choice,
neither of us.
- Hi.
- Hello!
I've got a tip.
A tax office in Versailles.
I'm sure there's a lot.
- How much?
- 12 to 15 grand.
What about the hideout?
I found something
I know the owner.
I'd like you to find a piece for me.
Mine's hot.
It's got to go down the drain.
I'll find you one.
A P.38, if possible.
I've always had fun with them.
What? A gun for Buisson?
Are you mad, Borniche?
Do you realize what you're asking me?
A P.38,
if possible.
A P.38?
He likes the P.38 better.
What if we give him a Colt?
Will he throw a tantrum?
You know what his temper is like.
Listen, Borniche.
This time, you've crossed the line!
You put yourself back
in charge of the Buisson case.
You make up a crazy scenario.
I beg your pardon, sir.
You gave me an investigation about
a corpse in the Ville d'Avray woods.
Am I to blame
if it brought me back to Buisson?
Indeed. You've held it back from me
since the beginning.
I wanted to be sure.
That suited you.
So,
now we pay holidays for Mr. Buisson
And on top of that, you want
to give him a gun to shoot us with?
Really!
You know...
It's now becoming a huge joke.
I'll find a P.38 for Buisson.
Really?
Where from, Inspector?
A souvenir of French commandos.
If anything happens, Borniche,
I'll have you locked up.
Did you hear me?
Very well, sir.
My regards.
Here.
It wasn't easy.
Just kidding.
Your tax man?
Jeannot is working on it.
Tell him to move his ass.
I'm bored to hell here.
It's time I left France.
Did you bring me a paper?
Bloody hell!
If the government
would get off my back,
I'd give the jerks more
than a strike to worry about.
- Is the chief out?
- Still in Lyon. For the diamonds case.
He'll be back at noon.
We'll have to do without him.
No way! He will be mad.
He will be mad. But we have no choice.
- It's now or never.
- Just a minute.
- No. If Buisson suspects anything,
we won't get him alive.
Moreover, Roubier says
he always carries a grenade
to blow himself up if necessary.
You're insane. We're taking a huge risk,
and we're not even covered.
It's a rule to warn the gendarmes
and the boss.
You don't seem to remember
that we are civil servants.
Listen...
I'm not forcing you to come.
- Alphonse.
- Inspector?
- Put that on the chief's desk.
- Right away.
- You asked for a car?
- Yes. I have a special one waiting.
You're all right?
Fifteen liters, please.
Roger, it's on the other side!
- Can we eat here?
- Yes, sir. We have a restaurant.
Great!
We'll have lunch here.
This way, we can be
at the clinic at 4:00.
- May I park here?
- Of course, sir.
"I'm having lunch
with Buisson at the inn.
Come for coffee.
Respectfully, Borniche."
God dammit!
What's he doing?
He's watching the ride.
What if he stole it?
I have the willies.
You're all right?
I'm going nuts, but I'm fine.
We're ready. Please sit down.
Take your pick.
This one!
Here are the menus.
I recommend the coq au vin.
It's our specialty
The coq au vin will be great.
Hors d'oeuvre first.
- Hors d'oeuvre too?
- No thanks!
I'll bring the hors d'oeuvres
and I'll have you taste the local wine.
Yes, thanks.
What? They say
that music soothes the soul.
You play well.
Little things like this,
but not Chopin.
I like things like that better.
You know other Edith Piaf songs?
Here you are.
Have you decided, sir?
Coq au vin.
Come and eat, Catherine
or we'll be late.
Thank you, miss.
Sorry, sir.
You won't offer him
a concert, will you?
He's got beautiful eyes.
He's about to move in, Roger.
That would be a good one!
Go ahead, laugh.
May I eat, ma'am?
- He's coming back.
- Eat and don't turn around.
should have won the Goncourt.
You've read it?
I haven't got much time to read
with all these strikes.
Literary awards
are fixed by the publishers.
How about some wine?
Excuse me, I forgot the wine.
I had better call the clinic...
Yes, perhaps.
- Can we call Rambouillet?
- Of course. What number?
- 432.
- 432 Rambouillet.
Hello, miss.
Mother Goose Inn here.
Rambouillet 432, please.
- Thank you.
Really?
Hold on a minute.
Sir... There's no such number.
What?
Wait.
- She make a mistake?
Mrs. Mercier?
Dr. Le Garrec here.
We're a little late.
Tell the boss I'll be there at 4:00.
We're on our way.
Yes.
Fine, Mrs. Mercier.
See you later.
- What about that coq au vin?
- It's coming up.
I'm sure you'll like it.
It's her specialty.
- Some bread, please.
- Oh, yeah. Coming.
Excuse me, my wife forgot.
- All right'?
- Great.
The grenade! Good God!
What followed is routine police work.
Buisson imprisoned in
I was in charge of questioning him
by letters rogatory from the Judge
Twice a week,
I picked him up in a police car,
early in the morning.
- Good morning, Mr. Borniche.
Little by little,
certainly not on purpose,
something strange
happened between us.
Friendship would be a big word,
but we became buddies.
We nearly understood one another,
especially when talking
about the weather.
- Come back for him at 6:00.
- Very well.
With his free hand,
he pours a glass of good Bordeaux.
I bought a bottle for him.
He takes out his thick glasses
and reads the Figaro.
It is 11:00.
I don't question him until 12:30.
I go over the reports.
It's the truce for us both.
mile reads the news.
Why do you always
want to read Le Figaro?
A habit.
On the run, no one suspects a guy
reading the Figaro. It's too serious.
At 14:00, serious work begins.
The stack of files on Mr. mile
were almost five feet high.
He was charged with
36 murders and assaults.
One only lends to the Rich.
But I had to go through all of it
to separate truth from falsehood.
except the killings.
But I had evidence against him,
undeniable testimonies,
and the P.38 business
weighed heavily against him.
Let's start, Mr. Borniche.
Our one to one meetings went o
for over a year.
Only once did the real Buisson show.
The day we talked about Paul Roubier,
Paulo the Bulged.
That guy, Mr. Borniche,
I'd like to take a handsaw
to his throat.
I'd stop from time to time
to hear him scream.
I'm afraid you won't get the chance.
Yeah.
Too bad.
For a long while,
I sat in silence watching Buisson,
motionless in his chair, his right arm
hanging at the end of the handcuffs.
I thought to myself,
Sentenced to death
by the Seine High Court,
on February 28, 1956.
Inspector with
the National Security Forces
I'm a cop.
I love this fucking profession.
But that morning, I'd rather
have stayed in bed with Catherine.
Catherine dreams of getting married,
of making it legal.
But I have to become
chief investigator first.
I'm already doing the job.
I only lack the title
and the salary.
I've solved some major cases
since I've been in this joint.
The boss can't deny that.
But that particular morning,
I had no idea of what was about
to fall on my head
Hi, Borniche.
Morning, Roger.
Well?
Well, nothing.
Bullshit!
Leave me alone with him.
If you think you can do better...
I'd like to believe you, Raymond.
I always tell the truth.
So the day of the shooting,
the 17th, you weren't in Paris.
You were in Rouen.
At my brother-in-law's.
He'll confirm it.
They say they saw me in my bar,
but they were outside.
They're obviously wrong.
Or they want you to do wrong.
I don't doubt it.
Then why did your pals beat me up?
They're impulsive.
You too, sometimes you're impulsive.
Not on the 17th,
but on the 16th, the 20th or the 22nd.
All right.
I'm magnanimous.
I'll release you.
- What for?
- You give Lieutenant Clot information.
Why not let me have it first?
But I'm not an informer!
I could name some of the guys
you've brought down.
Scumbags who worked for the Gestapo.
That's different.
I wonder why you were not decorated.
Right. I'll be right there.
Make up your mind.
I'm going to see the boss.
That'll give you some time
to think it over.
- Keep an eye on that guy.
- Sure, Roger.
Come in.
Buisson has escaped.
Buisson?
Never heard of him.
You weren't here
when he earned his stripes.
Fine list of holdups.
A Bank in Troyes before the war.
In '42, the rue de la Victoire holdup,
a cashier shot.
I want you to get Buisson
before the Paris Prefecture does.
We'll show Clot that
the National Security Forces exist,
that the Paris Prefecture doesn't have
a monopoly on criminal oases.
Be careful though.
It probably appeals to you.
Else, I'd be department manager
at some department store
Go on, get your informers at work.
By the way,
I'd like to release Pelletier.
That's going too far.
The Basque was shot
when coming out of his bar.
He says he was in Rouen
and his alibi will hold out.
I think he has a deal with Clot.
How about we cut in?
That's what I like to hear.
- You'll be accountable.
- Yes, I know.
Make Buisson a priority.
Get his file from the archives.
If you pull this off,
I promise you'll make
chief investigator this time.
Say, guys.
Does the name Buisson
mean anything to you?
The gangster who
broke out of Villejuif?
The chief wants us to get him.
Archives, please.
- What about Raymond?
- We let him go.
Speaking of which,
I don't much like your methods.
Want me to offer him a candy bar?
That's an idea.
Roblin? Borniche here.
Could I have Buisson's file?
Thanks, I'll send Darros.
So, it's a deal.
A deal?
I didn't agree to anything.
If you don't agree,
I'll make sure it gets around
that you inform for Clot.
You really think I'm a slut.
That's why I'm giving you
my phone number.
I'm a pervert.
I love sluts.
Anvers.
What about my bar, may I open it?
Of course.
If by chance one Buisson ever stops by
for a drink, let me know.
Buisson? Are you crazy?
You know him?
I probably saw him around in the past,
as many others did
Thought he was still in the can.
He got out
on good behaviour.
This is Suzanne.
She was Pete of St Etienne's girl.
Shot him during
the stickup at Marseilles's train station.
I know.
We'll stay here for a while.
In any case, I can't go home.
The cops must be there.
They must have checked the files.
- The driver'?
- Mario the Wop?
He's dumping the car.
Don't worry. He's solid.
When Mario comes back,
have him find another car.
Do we need one just yet?
Suzanne, no errands to run?
Bring back the evening paper.
Got a change of clothes?
I want to go dancing this afternoon.
Can't that wait?
I hate to keep squealers waiting.
Cheers.
Hello, baby cop.
Hello, big girl.
A good day?
Hectic.
Bernier was out.
I had to answer the phone.
A long wait for the bus.
Take the subway.
There's no waiting.
Roger, I have the car for Sunday.
The Talbot'? Fantastic.
I went to the garage at noon.
My father finally gave in.
Refusing anything to you is hard.
If you'd been my daughter,
I would've made a very bad father.
What are we doing tonight?
Nothing. I've got to read
these files for tomorrow.
I'm sorry!
"Devil in the Flesh" is playing
at the "Normandie".
You promised we'd see it.
We'll go next week.
It'll play for a while.
Why don't you change jobs?
Your attorney boss needs clients.
This is the guy who escaped
this morning ?
Yes, that's him.
He is insane?
He acts like he is because it's easier
to get out of madhouses than prisons.
Is he dangerous?
Very.
Probably because of his
unhappy childhood.
His alcoholic father
made him steal food for them.
That doesn't make priests, you know
He's at the point of no return.
All we can do for him
is keep him from killing
to save his neck.
You should've been an attorney.
Maybe.
Borniche, National Security.
- Jean-Baptiste Buisson's file, please.
Everyone wants that one today.
First row.
May I help you, gentlemen?
Hands up.
Everyone up!
Come on, hands up!
Bastards!
Put the dough on the table.
Jewels, lighters, everything.
Quick!
Come on.
Earrings.
The ring.
Now!
Don't move!
The cops.
- You okay?
- Yes, fine. Get moving.
Be careful, they shot at me.
Stop!
Mado, open up.
Is your man here?
- What's the matter?
- We need to stay here for a while.
It's stormy outside.
Good to see you, Raymond.
I'll be damned!
I wasn't expecting -
Can I wash up?
Go right ahead.
There's water at the bar.
We'll go to the back room.
You haven't changed in five years.
That's a load.
Grandma's inheritance.
We want top price.
All right.
I'll see the Armenian tomorrow.
You know his terms'?
You'll get your cut too,
but be quick.
Thursday good?
Deal.
- 4:00.
- Fine.
Mado, bring us a bottle.
"Officer Schmitt Dies
as Result of Injuries."
That's pure Buisson.
Description fits.
That's his style.
The guy escapes,
forms a new team,
and he's back in business.
He doesn't waste any time.
Unlike you.
You're not getting anywhere.
How can I get him in a week?
- The press says you're a super cop.
- I could do without the press.
Listen up.
Just get moving.
Paris will spare no effort.
What exactly are you doing?
Aside from smoking
one cigarette after another?
We're watching his brother's place.
The Paris guys are there already.
Find something else.
I'm doing nothing but that, Sir.
You're wanted on the telephone.
Raymond Pelletier.
Will only talk to you.
Inspector?
It's about your friend.
What friend?
The one who's out
on good behaviour.
Oh, I get you. Well?
A man will come to my bar
at 4:00 on Thursday.
Just follow him,
and he'll lead you to the right place.
Fine. Thank you.
There he is!
Let's go.
We've met before, miss.
- Where do you live?
- Paris.
That's where I've seen you.
May I use the phone?
Give me a coffee.
In Marseilles.
With my uncle.
Hidoine just called.
We must join him with the boss.
Here's the address.
I hope he'll confirm that.
If not, we'll have to
have a little talk.
- He's here.
- Where?
the first on the left.
I followed Jean-Baptiste Buisson here.
He went into a building
I'll stay with Hidoine and Darros.
When we know exactly
where they crash, I'll get them.
By yourself, Mr. Maigret ?
The local precinct will help.
Got it.
But if you lose Buisson, I'll send you
south to arrest chicken thieves.
I know.
Robert, here's a quick bite..
A beer, the other one's for Darros.
Go easy on it.
Get lost!
- Here. Dying of hunger?
- Just about.
Leave some beer for me.
Now what?
It's too early to move in.
What about those guys?
Do they wait for dawn
to kill everyone?
Dammit!
Hey, the cops!
Cut the crap.
Get up!
We've been ratted out.
Get to the sixth floor.
You can escape by the roof. Hurry!
I'll see if it's clear.
Quick, clear off!
Stop! Police!
Dammit!
The ambulance is coming.
- Hello, Germaine.
- Morning, Chief.
Hey, Borniche.
For a former paratrooper,
you're not much of a jumper.
Chief, please...
If you'd pulled it off, the problems
with the Paris Prefecture wouldn't matter.
Clot claims he'd laid a trap for Buisson
and that we fouled it up.
- Fuck Clot!
- Yes but in the mean time,
we're in it up to our neck.
Chief, we have Buisson's
brother and an accomplice.
- What is it?
- Still nothing.
We're searching the area
room by room.
That's it.
- See? Still nothing.
- So?
The brother will get off
with one month the hospital.
- And the girl?
- She won't talk. She's a real panther.
I have a meeting
with the director at 2:00.
You know what that means?
Give me a detailed report.
Who's calling?
Catherine.
I'm fine. Who told you that?
A pack of lies!
Roger, why are you
talking to me like that?
I know. I'm sorry-
Forgive me.
Really, Catherine, I don't know.
I'll try to get away.
I'll do my best.
All right.
I'll call you in the evening.
Yes.
Yeah, love you too.
But you don't realize!
Three or four days
while I get him a room.
Thanks.
I've found something...
In Champigny.
A former junkyard worker.
He is a friend.
When you see the Wop,
give him the address.
Tell him to come asap
with magazines for a Colt 45.
All right.
Goddamit! You're dead meat, Bollec!
I'll see your head in the sawdust
the same day as Buisson.
I'll bust your balls.
You'll never use them again, you swine.
Never again!
It was -
What was his name?
Repeat your bullshit.
Repeat it!
George Muller!
That's the name I knew him by.
I'll make you eat your own shit,
you bastard,
if you go on taking me for a jerk!
You're not in the slammer yet, buddy.
He says the guy on the roof
wasn't Buisson.
Interesting.
We'll see if your statement
matches your sister's.
Then we'll have a talk.
You got a minute, Lucien?
Now what is it?
You know.
Want me to give a free ride
to a scumbag who killed a cop?
He might not be the one.
Anyway you don't need to overdo it
to do your job.
Roger, you're breaking our balls!
You act important,
but you're not the boss.
Guys like that are vermin.
And we crush vermin, get it?
If your brother or father
had got gunned down,
you might see things differently.
- You think so?
- I'm sure.
Deep down,
you're nothing but an amateur.
Let me tell you a story, Lucien.
A story I never tell.
It just so happens that I had a brother.
A brother whom I loved a lot.
In '44, the Lauriston Street
Gestapo got him.
You catch my drift?
They gave him a free ride
like yours and he died.
You can't confuse!
I didn't become a policeman for that.
When I joined up,
I knew I might be killed.
But I also knew that being a cop
didn't give me all the rights.
Using certain methods...
lowers you under
those you call vermin.
Did you send
Hollec's P.38 to the lab?
Yes.
Nothing to tell me?
I don't talk to cops.
You prefer gangsters.
To each his own!
With gangsters no routine.
At least they never have time
to dirty my bed sheets.
You'll be charged of failure to report.
It's good, isn't it?
Buisson is a killer.
He wouldn't hesitate to shoot you down..
So rat him out would be a good thing?
There were guns at your place,
and Buisson, who killed a patrolman.
You'll end up at the criminal court
with the whole gang
If it can make you happy!
Believe me, your going inside for 4
or 5 years won't make me happy.
Thank you.
I won't insist.
If you don't cooperate,
we'll put you inside.
Not bad, eh?
- Mind if your brother's guillotined?
- He hasn't done anything!
Unfortunately, he has.
And soon you'll have to choose
between Buisson and him.
Well, my colleague
will ask you a few questions.
He'll write down that you refuse to answer
or refuse to sign.
That's all.
You're in a real mess.
I'm the only one who wants
to help you.
How kind!
Your go!
Your name is Suzanne Bollec.
Is this gun yours?
You had it when we arrested you.
- You can't deny it, can you?
- I didn't use it.
You couldn't use it.
It was jammed.
Unfortunately,
I've just received the ballistics report.
The bullets from your P.38
were found in the body
of Alfred Thibon...
Freddy the Accordionist.
Mean anything to you?
He was shot down
on September the 3rd,
You don't waste time.
I had nothing to do with it.
But that's only an appetizer.
We can't expect thugs to settle scores
playing hopscotch.
But your small gun was also used
to kill Officer Schmitt,
highway patrolman
and a father of three.
The photo enlargement leaves no doubt.
Look at your gun.
It's not mine!
No need to shout.
I showed it to your sister.
She recognized it.
I doubt it.
My sis knows zilch about guns.
Then tell me why
you were carrying it.
When I was clearing out,
I took the first gun I found on the table.
But it's not mine.
Oh, yeah. That's right.
It was one...
What was his name?
That's right, Muller.
So it's Muller's gun.
You're trying to fuck me?
You've got nothing against snails, I hope!
They're very good.
A police officer brings them
from the countryside.
It's Sunday tomorrow.
Shall I wake you for church,
Mr. Chabert?
Priests...
I guess you don't like priests much.
You were lucky.
I'm glad to see you.
Did you bring supplies?
Get me a grenade.
A fragmentation grenade
from the army.
What do you want to do with it?
Blow up the first cop
that comes my way.
- I went to the Armenian's.
- And?
He disappeared two days ago
with the jewels.
What do you make of that?
The doctor said not to stay too long.
Number four.
I'd bet you're a cop.
Have a seat.
Nice of you to come see me.
I get bored here, miss my pals.
What's your name?
You're switching roles, Jean-Baptiste.
I don't see why the cops
are always the ones to ask questions.
You're not the famous Borniche, are you?
I heard you have gangsters
for breakfast.
What about talking of the Arbois Inn
and Officer Schmitt?
We haven't got much time.
They said you tire easily.
I'm fine. Stay as long as you like.
This is routine.
You've got a fag, Borniche?
I'll have one later
and think of you.
Thanks, kid.
Got a light?
What do you call your guy?
Doesn't ring a bell.
You might not even know your brother?
I read in the papers that he'd escaped.
I'll tell you : my brother's problem
was that he kept bad company.
Otherwise, he never would've
hurt anyone, not even a cop.
I have no doubt about that.
On September the 3rd, I was in Dijon
at my sister's. She'll confirm.
I hope that in court you'll have
a better defense system.
Listen, Borniche,
I don't want to waste your time.
I'm 52. You can't think
I'll fall into your fools' traps.
I know nothing.
Since 1937, I've lost my memory.
Exactly 10 years ago.
Covered by the statute of limitations.
If you get that,
you got it all.
Leaving already?
If I've got it all,
there's no need for a statement.
- Here. It's the real stuff.
- Thanks, cop.
Deep down, you're not a bad guy.
Come back to see me.
I'll tell you all about Indochina.
It might teach you something.
The inquiry is Judge Boissenade's work.
You'll see.
He's a very serious guy.
That would be the last straw, the justice
system in the hands of clowns!
Bye, Borniche.
If you meet mile,
say hello for me.
If you've got enough time.
Put your hands on the bar, Raymond.
Where are the jewels?
The Armenian, he's checking them.
I told your brother.
You know where my brother is?
You listen to the radio, don't you?
I've just come down.
I went to bed late.
You scum!
Borniche, National Security.
Raymond Pelletier, the owner.
Shot down behind his bar.
It was Buisson, wasn't it?
I was upstairs.
I saw nothing.
I came down when I heard the shots.
Has he come here?
Did he come to see Raymond last week?
Raymond was straight.
It's disgusting to kill him like that.
Buisson's crazy.
You don't have to protect him.
Who was he with?
Leave me alone.
Isn't this enough?
Who did he come with last week, Mado?
His brother and...
And?
Mario.
A wop.
He has a broad.
She's a hooker
in the Strasbourg-St. Denis area.
Do you know her name?
Jenny.
Is that all you can tell me?
Isn't that enough?
She's blond, Polish.
Thanks, Mado.
The Polack's in conference.
Choose another one.
Well, wait...
She just went up, I'll call her.
I don't want her.
I want the Wop.
Who? The Wop?
I'm in a hurry.
Don't tell me you don't know Mario.
Yes but I never see him.
You'll find a way to see him.
If not, I'll have your rotten joint busted
I've got reasons enough
to put you in the slammer.
You like the program?
He never comes here, I swear.
He spends time in the Etoile area.
You can phone him rue Troyon
at the bar des Calanques.
I knew you wanted
to help the Justice of your country.
If he's really done something wrong,
it's quite natural that I help you.
It's quite natural.
There.
- Evening.
- Number four.
Don't forget the tip, baby.
Go on.
Help! Robbery!
What's the matter with you?
You're crazy.
You'll call me at the Calanques?
I'll call you at the Calanques.
I came to make your bed.
I didn't ask you to.
- What are you looking for?
- Nothing. Now I know who you are.
I just want to help.
Get out of here
and don't come back.
Wait at the end of the street.
- Don't be long.
- Ten minutes.
- We don't want to miss the beginning.
- You'll see your movie.
Good evening, Ange.
Good evening, Inspector.
I'll have a martini.
- What's wrong, Ange?
- Nothing, I'm fine.
You look out of your depth
A little nauseous.
I must have eaten something bad.
Take care of your health, Ange.
We'd hate to lose you.
Do you know him?
An Italian.
I was told he is a regular here.
You were told wrong, Inspector.
Malicious gossip.
- You mean harm to this Italian?
- No!
Think about it. When we want someone,
it's always for his own good.
That's really true.
No, you'll offend me.
Then I'll offend you.
See you soon, Ange.
Good night.
You know who's just left?
A cop.
Not just any cop,
Inspector Borniche.
What did he want?
To know if Mario came here.
That's interesting.
Goddammit.
I was scared.
You should've told me.
I would have shot your buddy.
The cases and the bullets
are from the same Colt 45.
So?
The same gun killed Pelletier
and the bank collector from Draveil..
Buisson again.
Roger, you're wanted
at the wire-tapping.
I had the phone
in the Calanques Bar tapped.
A friend of Buisson's receives calls there.
You never know.
Thanks, Mr. Legal.
What a weather!
All we need is snow.
We've got a recording.
Somebody phoned Mario.
It must be Buisson.
Don't come. I've moved.
What time tomorrow?
5:00 in Vincennes Forest,
Champigny Highway.
Where exactly?
The Fourchette,
behind the yellow cabin.
- What car will you have?
- A black Simca.
Bye, Mario. See you tomorrow.
Roger, he's leaving.
Let him go.
We'll get him through the Calanques.
If he sees he's followed, it's over.
I'll never get it.
We bust our ass to catch guys,
and once we get them,
we let them go.
I've waited more than one hour.
Strange that he didn't show up.
He changes his mind sometimes
without telling.
Put yourself in his shoes.
On the run, you get wary.
We were supposed to go and see
the factory in La Plaine-St. Denis.
We haven't got much time.
Payday is Tuesday.
Yes, it's urgent.
Gentlemen.
Hello.
Jeannot, the friend I told you about
for the next job.
- The meeting?
I'll explain later.
- Miss.
- Coming.
My treat.
Looks like the food's good here.
It's very good.
I didn't expect to see you here.
Well you see...
no one ever expects to see me.
Sometimes I can be seen.
What does that mean?
Nothing.
I'm having fun.
I like to have a laugh
now and then.
Paulo said you often ate here,
so we stopped by just in case.
Me too.
Good night, gentlemen.
Now, let's go to my place
and have a drink.
Where is it?
Ville d'Avray. I've got a little place
on the road to Versailles.
I can't. I have a date with a girl
when she's off.
She'll wait.
It's not bad for girls to wait.
You can't refuse a drink.
Must be the ignition.
I'll take a leak.
Not a bad idea.
Now, Wop!
What are you doing, mile?
You were born in the Year of the Rat,
weren't you?
You're insane.
You asshole.
Keep out of this.
Paulo.
The Wop was a snitch.
I didn't have time to tell you.
The cops were waiting
at our meeting spot today.
He won't be talking to them anymore.
Let's clear out.
Quick!
Hurry up!
Quick!
Bastard!
"Worker, Former Resistance Member,
Victim of Killer Buisson."
gave his life for the Capital."
"While Mr. Jules Moch's police
are beating up miners in the north,"
shamelessly killing innocent workers."
"What are our Maigrets
of the National Security doing?"
"Where are these cops,"
"...called 'supermen' by certain
members of the press corps."
That's for Borniche.
If they attack Jules Moch,
Mr. Jules will pick on us.
With the communists
coming after us,
In the current climate,
it becomes a farce.
- Where's Borniche?
- It's his day off.
I'll give him days off!
You'll all get days off!
You clueless dunces!
No more Buisson case for you!
I'm taking you off it.
Get me Borniche at home.
Yeah, hurry up.
Good morning.
Yes, he's here.
I'll get him.
It's for you.
- Who is it?
- The boss.
Morning, Chief.
I can't answer so fast.
You know I've done everything I could.
Okay.
As you like.
I'm more likely to get him
than Degreffe.
See you tomorrow, sir.
What was that about?
I'm off the Buisson case.
He woke you to say that?
He's insane.
He's a civil servant.
He's afraid of his superiors.
You can't let yourself
be abused like that.
Some days.
Some days what?
For God's sake!
10,000 bread tickets,
as many gasoline tickets,
and you deny it?
What, the devil works
in your print shop at night?
You should check my employees.
Nice work.
Come on.
Be reasonable.
If not,
we might get mad.
Roger, you must come with me.
A corpse in the woods near Versailles.
The chief chose us.
How kind!
I'll leave you with him.
I advise you not to waste our time.
Didn't find much.
It looks like a settling of scores.
Let's see the face.
Come look.
It seems to be the Wop.
Mario?
It sure is.
Good grief!
How's that for luck?
- You know him?
- Yes!
We may also know who killed him.
Super!
You fuck with us with us
when we work now!
Turn it down a notch.
What do you want?
You've got a warrant?
Warrant or not,
you'll come with us.
I don't have to!
I wasn't soliciting!
- That guy is your fianc??
- Yes!
We're only looking for
Mario's murderer. That's all.
I don't give a damn about Mario!
I got nothing to do with him.
If he croaked, that's too bad.
I dumped him more than a year ago.
You want me to give him
a first class funeral?
You might know his friends.
I know nothing!
And I've got nothing to say!
All I've got to give is my ass!
That's good enough for you?
As you like, Jenny.
But we won't forget.
I see.
You'll send me eggs.
For Easter!
What you laughing at, you jerk?
Come to think of it,
you knew him too,
Mario the Wop?
No, not well.
His buddies?
I never saw his buddies.
You never saw anyone with him
next door?
No, I swear, Inspector.
I'm just warming up, buddy!
- My glasses!
- You don't need to see.
You just need to talk to us.
You skunk.
Well?
Who did Mario see?
If you got nothing to say,
we'll get you for running a whorehouse.
Your deal with the Vice Squad
won't help!
I don't know.
He was often with Paulo.
Paulo?
Paulo what?
The bulged. This guy,
his wife is sick.
- The syph?
- No, TB. She's in a sanatorium.
She spits blood.
Where does he live?
I don't know.
It's probably in our files.
Come on.
Alias Paulo the Bulged.
Listed in the special file,
"Fight Against crime."
Paul Roubier, alias Paulo the Bulged.
Born March 29, 1904.
This might be a good lead.
- Well?
- Look.
He was with Buisson in 42
at the Rue des Victoires holdup.
He got off free
for lack of evidence.
Rue des Victoires
or rue de la Victoire?
Rue des Victoires.
I'll send out a wanted notice.
No, you just need to find his wife.
What?
Don't be sad.
See you next week.
- You give me a ride to Paris, Roubier?
- What do you want?
We're not in the same club,
but we can still have a chat.
The Pacra factory is offering one million
to anyone helping to arrest the killer.
The killer is mile Buisson.
You sometimes stick your neck out
for less.
You should try to use your little
thug brain.
What you're doing is disgusting.
If you refuse to talk,
it'll get even more disgusting.
You need streptomycin
to save your wife.
I promise I'll get some
from the States.
You're hesitating between
a killer like Buisson and your wife's life?
Something else.
I know you were a friend of
Mario the Wop.
He shot him for nothing.
The Wop wasn't an informer.
We'll spread the word around.
But in case you wouldn't cooperate,
I'm sure you were
in the factory holdup.
And I'll prove it.
I'll do what's needed to send you
in the slammer for 15 to 20 years.
You'll never see your wife again.
I'm disgusted with myself.
Me too.
But we have no choice,
neither of us.
- Hi.
- Hello!
I've got a tip.
A tax office in Versailles.
I'm sure there's a lot.
- How much?
- 12 to 15 grand.
What about the hideout?
I found something
I know the owner.
I'd like you to find a piece for me.
Mine's hot.
It's got to go down the drain.
I'll find you one.
A P.38, if possible.
I've always had fun with them.
What? A gun for Buisson?
Are you mad, Borniche?
Do you realize what you're asking me?
A P.38,
if possible.
A P.38?
He likes the P.38 better.
What if we give him a Colt?
Will he throw a tantrum?
You know what his temper is like.
Listen, Borniche.
This time, you've crossed the line!
You put yourself back
in charge of the Buisson case.
You make up a crazy scenario.
I beg your pardon, sir.
You gave me an investigation about
a corpse in the Ville d'Avray woods.
Am I to blame
if it brought me back to Buisson?
Indeed. You've held it back from me
since the beginning.
I wanted to be sure.
That suited you.
So,
now we pay holidays for Mr. Buisson
And on top of that, you want
to give him a gun to shoot us with?
Really!
You know...
It's now becoming a huge joke.
I'll find a P.38 for Buisson.
Really?
Where from, Inspector?
A souvenir of French commandos.
If anything happens, Borniche,
I'll have you locked up.
Did you hear me?
Very well, sir.
My regards.
Here.
It wasn't easy.
Just kidding.
Your tax man?
Jeannot is working on it.
Tell him to move his ass.
I'm bored to hell here.
It's time I left France.
Did you bring me a paper?
Bloody hell!
If the government
would get off my back,
I'd give the jerks more
than a strike to worry about.
- Is the chief out?
- Still in Lyon. For the diamonds case.
He'll be back at noon.
We'll have to do without him.
No way! He will be mad.
He will be mad. But we have no choice.
- It's now or never.
- Just a minute.
- No. If Buisson suspects anything,
we won't get him alive.
Moreover, Roubier says
he always carries a grenade
to blow himself up if necessary.
You're insane. We're taking a huge risk,
and we're not even covered.
It's a rule to warn the gendarmes
and the boss.
You don't seem to remember
that we are civil servants.
Listen...
I'm not forcing you to come.
- Alphonse.
- Inspector?
- Put that on the chief's desk.
- Right away.
- You asked for a car?
- Yes. I have a special one waiting.
You're all right?
Fifteen liters, please.
Roger, it's on the other side!
- Can we eat here?
- Yes, sir. We have a restaurant.
Great!
We'll have lunch here.
This way, we can be
at the clinic at 4:00.
- May I park here?
- Of course, sir.
"I'm having lunch
with Buisson at the inn.
Come for coffee.
Respectfully, Borniche."
God dammit!
What's he doing?
He's watching the ride.
What if he stole it?
I have the willies.
You're all right?
I'm going nuts, but I'm fine.
We're ready. Please sit down.
Take your pick.
This one!
Here are the menus.
I recommend the coq au vin.
It's our specialty
The coq au vin will be great.
Hors d'oeuvre first.
- Hors d'oeuvre too?
- No thanks!
I'll bring the hors d'oeuvres
and I'll have you taste the local wine.
Yes, thanks.
What? They say
that music soothes the soul.
You play well.
Little things like this,
but not Chopin.
I like things like that better.
You know other Edith Piaf songs?
Here you are.
Have you decided, sir?
Coq au vin.
Come and eat, Catherine
or we'll be late.
Thank you, miss.
Sorry, sir.
You won't offer him
a concert, will you?
He's got beautiful eyes.
He's about to move in, Roger.
That would be a good one!
Go ahead, laugh.
May I eat, ma'am?
- He's coming back.
- Eat and don't turn around.
should have won the Goncourt.
You've read it?
I haven't got much time to read
with all these strikes.
Literary awards
are fixed by the publishers.
How about some wine?
Excuse me, I forgot the wine.
I had better call the clinic...
Yes, perhaps.
- Can we call Rambouillet?
- Of course. What number?
- 432.
- 432 Rambouillet.
Hello, miss.
Mother Goose Inn here.
Rambouillet 432, please.
- Thank you.
Really?
Hold on a minute.
Sir... There's no such number.
What?
Wait.
- She make a mistake?
Mrs. Mercier?
Dr. Le Garrec here.
We're a little late.
Tell the boss I'll be there at 4:00.
We're on our way.
Yes.
Fine, Mrs. Mercier.
See you later.
- What about that coq au vin?
- It's coming up.
I'm sure you'll like it.
It's her specialty.
- Some bread, please.
- Oh, yeah. Coming.
Excuse me, my wife forgot.
- All right'?
- Great.
The grenade! Good God!
What followed is routine police work.
Buisson imprisoned in
I was in charge of questioning him
by letters rogatory from the Judge
Twice a week,
I picked him up in a police car,
early in the morning.
- Good morning, Mr. Borniche.
Little by little,
certainly not on purpose,
something strange
happened between us.
Friendship would be a big word,
but we became buddies.
We nearly understood one another,
especially when talking
about the weather.
- Come back for him at 6:00.
- Very well.
With his free hand,
he pours a glass of good Bordeaux.
I bought a bottle for him.
He takes out his thick glasses
and reads the Figaro.
It is 11:00.
I don't question him until 12:30.
I go over the reports.
It's the truce for us both.
mile reads the news.
Why do you always
want to read Le Figaro?
A habit.
On the run, no one suspects a guy
reading the Figaro. It's too serious.
At 14:00, serious work begins.
The stack of files on Mr. mile
were almost five feet high.
He was charged with
36 murders and assaults.
One only lends to the Rich.
But I had to go through all of it
to separate truth from falsehood.
except the killings.
But I had evidence against him,
undeniable testimonies,
and the P.38 business
weighed heavily against him.
Let's start, Mr. Borniche.
Our one to one meetings went o
for over a year.
Only once did the real Buisson show.
The day we talked about Paul Roubier,
Paulo the Bulged.
That guy, Mr. Borniche,
I'd like to take a handsaw
to his throat.
I'd stop from time to time
to hear him scream.
I'm afraid you won't get the chance.
Yeah.
Too bad.
For a long while,
I sat in silence watching Buisson,
motionless in his chair, his right arm
hanging at the end of the handcuffs.
I thought to myself,
Sentenced to death
by the Seine High Court,
on February 28, 1956.