Pasha (film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motion picture |
| Founded | November 14, 1967 |
| Founder | Georges Lautner |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Crime film |
Pasha () is a 1968 French crime motion picture helmed by Georges Lautner, featuring performances by Jean Gabin and Dany Carrel. Adapted from the novel Pouce! authored by Jean Laborde, the story centers on a veteran Parisian police officer on the trail of a merciless murderer.
Production commenced on 14 November 1967 and wrapped up in December, with the film premiering on 14 March 1968.
Plot
Paris Police Commissioner Joss, approaching retirement in six months, investigates the suspicious death of his colleague, Inspector Gouvion. Gouvion had survived a jewel heist orchestrated by the brutal criminal Quinquin but was later found dead under questionable conditions. Convinced it was murder, Joss chases Quinquin and discovers that Gouvion had been collaborating with the criminal to aid Nathalie, Léon's sister, who is employed at a nightclub.
After losing both her brother and lover, Nathalie seeks vengeance but is wounded by Quinquin. Resolute, Joss tracks Quinquin to an abandoned sugar refinery where a mail train robbery is planned; during the ensuing gunfight, Joss kills Quinquin while his team neutralizes the remaining gang members.
Cast
- Jean Gabin as Commissaire Joss, le Pacha
- Dany Carrel as Nathalie Villar
- Jean Gaven as Marc
- André Pousse as Quinquin
- Louis Arbessier as Le directeur chez Boucheron
- Gérard Buhr as Arsène
- Robert Dalban as Inspecteur Gouvion
- Maurice Garrel as Brunet
- Pierre Koulak as Marcel le Coréen
- Pierre Leproux as Druber
- Frédéric de Pasquale as Alfred
- André Weber as Gino
- Serge Gainsbourg portraying himself
Censorship issues
The French censorship authority challenged the film due to its violent content and a song by Gainsbourg containing explicit lyrics, resulting in an initial adults-only classification in 1968. Director Lautner promptly modified certain scenes to obtain a rating suitable for audiences aged 13 and above.
Critical response
The newspaper Le Monde critiqued the film for its indulgent and coarse elements but acknowledged its innovative approach and cinematography reminiscent of American productions.