Jacques Gheusi

Murmur of the Heart

Hotel Receptionist

This loosely plotted coming-of-age tale follows the life of 15-year-old Laurent Chevalier as he stumbles his way over the burgeoning swell of adolescence in 1950s France. After having his first sexual experience with a prostitute and dodging the lips of a priest, Chevalier contracts a case of scarlet fever. When the fever leaves him with a heart murmur, Chevalier is placed in a sanatorium, along with his over-attentive and adulterous mother.

The Suspects

In the south of France, the body of a 22-year-old American tourist, Candice Strasberg, is discovered in the middle of the scrubland. Two days of rain prior to the discovery of the body made it difficult to collect evidence at the scene, as the rain had washed away the footprints. Using the victim’s diary, the police are attempting to piece together her movements. The investigation is entrusted to Gaston Delarue, the public prosecutor of Tarascon; Gérard Souffries, the investigating judge; Commissioner Bonetti of the Marseille police; and Divisional Commissioner Bretonnet of the Paris police. Among the six suspects is Bernard Vauquier, the son of the President of the Senate. The investigation proves to be as complicated as it is sensitive. But who murdered or killed Candice Strasberg? Screenplay adapted from ‘La Pieuvre’, a novel by Paul Andreota, published in 1970.

The Gendarme and the Creatures from Outer Space

The bungling inspector Cruchot finds himself trying to save the residents of St. Tropez from some oil-drinking humanoid aliens. The only way to tell the aliens from the real people, besides their constant thirst for oil-products, is that they sound like empty garbage cans when you touch them. Chaos is ahead.

Zazie dans le Métro

Le Gérant

A brash and precocious ten-year-old comes to Paris for a whirlwind weekend with her rakish uncle.

The Thief of Paris

Professor Boileau

In turn-of-the-century Paris, Georges Randal is brought up by his wealthy uncle, who steals his inheritance. Georges hopes to marry his cousin Charlotte, but his uncle arranges for her to marry a rich neighbour. In retaliation, Georges steals the fiancé's family jewels, and enjoys the experience so much that he embarks upon a lifetime of burglary.

Cinq-Mars

Laubardemont

In the 17th century, under Louis XIII, the policy of Cardinal de Richelieu aimed at the definitive establishment of a monarchic power, and gave rise to a struggle against the great feudal lords, who favored a weak central power. Numerous conspiracies against the Cardinal were led by the high nobility. The one led by Henri Coiffier de Ruzé d'Effiat, marquis de Cinq-Mars, was the last and most famous of them.

To Die of Love

Leroy, Private Detective

Michel, a writer of detective novels, is married to Pat, a pretty woman he's been neglecting. One day, the results of a private investigation reveal that his wife is cheating on him. But he'd never contacted a private detective before. The facts are all the more disturbing in that they coincide with the detective story he is writing with his beautiful young secretary. Pat is murdered and found next to her dying lover, who is said to have attempted suicide. But the police soon realize that this is a double murder. The investigation develops; Michel is strongly suspected, as many presumptions seem to weigh heavily on him. The outcome of the investigation brings a surprise that clears Michel's name.

It's Tough for Everybody

After losing his job, an idealistic adman starts his own agency, putting himself in the crosshairs of his jaded ex-boss.

L'Amant complaisant

William Howard

Living comfortably, the Rhodes family is a quiet family. What no one knows is that Mary has a lover, Clive Root. She leaves for a few days with him and tells her husband that she is visiting a friend. Her husband surprises her in Holland, but he does not suspect the truth until later, because of an anonymous letter. Which of the two Marys will she choose