Detective Roger Borniche is depicted not as a traditional action hero, but as a meticulous, fact-driven investigator who must navigate both the brutality of the criminal underworld and the political maneuvering of his superiors.
The autobiography of the same name by French detective Roger Borniche. Running Time: 112 minutes. Studio: Pathé. Plot & Historical Context
(released internationally as Cop Story ) is a classic 1975 French crime thriller that dramatizes the real-life hunt for one of France's most notorious criminals, Émile Buisson . Directed by Jacques Deray, the film is celebrated for its gritty, unsentimental portrayal of post-war Paris and the meticulous nature of police work. Core Production Details Release Date: October 1, 1975 (France). Director: Jacques Deray.
The movie emphasizes the "meticulous gathering and correlating of facts" and the moral ambiguity of justice in a period of national reconstruction. Lead Cast & Characters Description Alain Delon Roger Borniche The "icy cool" but conscientious police inspector. Jean-Louis Trintignant Émile Buisson The "dead cold" assassin and escaped convict. Claudine Auger Borniche's girlfriend. André Pousse Jean-Baptiste Buisson Émile's brother, who considers himself expendable to him. Critical Reception & Legacy Flic Story (1975) - IMDb
Buisson, portrayed as "Public Enemy No. 1," becomes a symbol of cold-blooded violence, killing over 30 people and committing more than 100 robberies during his spree.
Set in 1947, a time when France was still reeling from the Nazi occupation, the film follows the relentless nine-year pursuit of Émile Buisson, a ruthless gangster and mental institution escapee.