1943, during WWII. In the Cévennes region of France, a
group of soldiers under the command of Cazal is ordered to free twelve
men who have been condemned to death by the Germans. The
operation is a success but there are thirteen men instead of the
expected twelve. Who is this extra man - a traitor or an innocent
man? Whilst awaiting his fate, the extra man is assigned to work
in the commando group. Although everyone is suspicious of him,
this unknown man shows himself to be useful, dutifully performing all
the jobs he is given. Then the decision is taken that the man
will be executed. One of Cazal's subalterns, Thomas, is given the
order to undertake this task...
Script:Costa-Gavras,
Daniel Boulanger (dialogue),
Jean-Pierre Chabrol (novel)
Cinematographer: Jean Tournier
Music: Michel Magne
Cast:Charles Vanel (Passevin),
Bruno Cremer (Cazal),
Jean-Claude Brialy (Jean),
Michel Piccoli (The Extra Man),
Gérard Blain (Thomas),
Claude Brasseur (Groubec),
Jacques Perrin (Kerk),
François Périer (Moujon),
Claude Brosset (Ouf),
Pierre Clémenti (Lucian),
Michel Creton (Solin),
Paolo Fratini (Philippe),
Julie Dassin (Girl),
Nino Segurini (Lecocq),
René Alone (Le médecin),
Edmond Ardisson (Le caissier),
Michèle Bardollet (Micheline),
Monique Chaumette (Mme Moujon),
André Dalibert (Le brigadier de gendarmerie),
Gérard Darrieu (Le camionneur)
Country: France / Italy
Language: French / German
Support: Color
Runtime: 110 min
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British cinema excels in comedy, from the genius of Will Hay to the camp lunacy of the Carry Ons.
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With so many great films to choose from, it's nigh on impossible to compile a short-list of the best 15 French films of all time - but here's our feeble attempt to do just that.