
A Legitimate Defense
1958, French. Directed by André Berthomieu.
Two friends from the last war, Pierrot, a bar owner, and Gustave, a police inspector, are in contact with a notorious gang of racketeers in Montmartre. Tired of putting up with Albert the King's demands, Pierrot kills the gangster during a bar brawl. His first instinct is to flee, but on Gustave's advice, he turns himself in to the law. All things considered, he'll be safer in prison than exposed to the reprisals of the "underworld". Pierrot goes to trial. He was acquitted as having acted in self-defense. But his release leaves him open to the vengeance of Bob, one of Albert's accomplices. Pierrot narrowly escapes an ambush, but is finally able to rid himself of the threat hanging over him, thanks to the friendship of Inspector Gustave, and finally reunites with the companion of his life, Dora, who has never stopped trembling for him.
- Runtime
- 1h 38m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- French
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch A Legitimate Defense
A Legitimate Defense isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 11 June 1958.
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Cast & crew
- André BerthomieuDirector
- Bernard BlierGustave Martinet
- Philippe NicaudPierre 'Pierrot' Lambert
- Maria MaubanDora
- Pierre MondyPetit Bob
- Jean LefebvreGeorges, le barman de "L'Ami Pierrot"
- Robert DalbanAlbert dit "Bébert le Caïd", un gangster qui rackette et persécute Pierrot
- Rosy VarteRita la Gitane, une prostituée
- Daniel CauchyDédé, aide de Bébert
- Jean Laral'avocat de Pierrot
- François Darbonl'avocat général
- Paul Bonifasle président de la cour
- Monique TanguyGinette, amie et collègue de Dora/Adrienne
Details
- Released
- 11 June 1958
- Original title
- En légitime défense
- Country
- France
- Written by
- Frédéric Dard, André Berthomieu
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A Legitimate Defense: quick answers
Is A Legitimate Defense worth watching?
A Legitimate Defense doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is A Legitimate Defense?
A Legitimate Defense runs 98 minutes (1h 38m).
Does A Legitimate Defense have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for A Legitimate Defense. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
A Legitimate Defense parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for A Legitimate Defense yet.
Which OTT platform is A Legitimate Defense on?
A Legitimate Defense isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 11 June 1958. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like A Legitimate Defense?
If you liked A Legitimate Defense, try Pasha, True Believer, In His Shadow.
Who directed A Legitimate Defense?
A Legitimate Defense (1958) was directed by André Berthomieu and stars Bernard Blier, Philippe Nicaud, Maria Mauban.