Fear Over the City
Fear Over the City (original French title: Peur sur la ville) is a 1975 French crime movie helmed by director Henri Verneuil, featuring Jean-Paul Belmondo in his debut role as a law enforcement officer.
Known as The Night Caller in the United States and United Kingdom markets, the storyline follows police officer Jean Letellier, who comes under intense scrutiny after a criminal named Marcucci escapes custody, resulting in the death of an uninvolved civilian during the chase. Amid an official inquiry, Letellier confronts a serial murderer called "Minos", who preys on young women and leaves enigmatic notes alluding to the Divine Comedy.
Letellier ultimately locates Marcucci, leading to a tense showdown that ends with Marcucci's demise. However, this victory sparks public backlash accusing Letellier of diverting attention from the ongoing Minos investigation. As the serial killer continues his attacks, Letellier pursues him across Paris rooftops. The film reaches its climax when Minos takes hostages inside a skyscraper, and Letellier neutralizes the threat by leaping from a hovering helicopter directly into the apartment to capture him.
Cast
- Jean-Paul Belmondo as Jean Letellier
- Charles Denner as Charles Moissac
- Giovanni Cianfriglia as Marcucci
- Adalberto Maria Merli as Minos
- Jean Martin as Inspector Sabin
- Lea Massari as Norah Elmer
- Rosy Varte as Germaine Doizon
- as Hélène Grammont
- Jean-François Balmer as Julien Dallas
- Albert Delpy as Henri Vernellic
Reception
In 1975, the film ranked as the second highest-grossing title at France’s box office, surpassed only by The Towering Inferno. It represented Belmondo’s most significant commercial achievement since Le Casse (1972), also enjoying strong audience reception in Italy and Germany.
When released under the title The Night Caller in the US and UK, critical opinions were divided. The New York Times characterized it as "two completely different movies, neither up to much." Conversely, the Los Angeles Times commended its action scenes for injecting excitement into an otherwise conventional narrative. Meanwhile, Time Out highlighted Belmondo’s impressive stunt work but criticized the film for a feeble storyline and lack of momentum.
External links
- Fear Over the City at Le Film Guide