The President (1961)
"Le président" (original title)

At 73, France's ex-president, Emile Beaufort, faces declining health, but he still plays a vigorous role behind the scenes as a philosopher and, potentially, as a power broker. In ... See full summary »

Director:

Henri Verneuil

Writers:

Michel Audiard (dialogue), Michel Audiard (screenplay),

Stars:

Jean Gabin, Bernard Blier, Renée Faure

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jean Gabin	...	Émile Beaufort
Bernard Blier	...	Philippe Chalamont
Renée Faure	...	Mademoiselle Milleran
Henri Crémieux	...	Antoine Monteil
Alfred Adam	...	François - le chauffeur
Louis Seigner	...	Lauzet-Duchet
Georges Adet	...	Un ministre
Albert Michel	...	Un gendarme (as Albert-Michel)
Aram Stephan
Louis Arbessier	...	Jussieu
Christiane Barry
Charles Bouillaud	...	Un gendarme en faction
Charles Cullum	...	Sir Merryl
André Dalibert	...	Un gendarme en faction
Françoise Deldick	...	Huguette

Storyline

At 73, France's ex-president, Emile Beaufort, faces declining health, but he still plays a vigorous role behind the scenes as a philosopher and, potentially, as a power broker. In particular, his relationship with Philippe Chalamont comes into play: Chalamont seems in line to be the next Prime Minister, and Beaufort's history with him is long, deep, and problematic. As Beaufort dictates his memoirs, his narrative take us to occasions, 15 and 20 years before, in which Chalamont and he clashed. Chalamont is not without talent and guile: he comes directly to Beaufort to see if they can sort things out. What will Beaufort, ill health and all, do?

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Plot Keywords:

memoir | france | corporate power | title same as book | democracy | 

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Genres:

Thriller

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Details

Country:

France Italy

Language:

French

Release Date:

1 March 1961 (France)

Also Known As:

The President

Filming Locations:

Hôtel du Châtelet, 127 Rue de Grenelle, Paris 7, Paris, France

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cité Films, Fidès, G.E.S.I. Cinematografica

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Italian censorship visa # 35220 delivered on 18-7-1961.

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Soundtracks

Ouverture du 'Vaisseau Fantôme' de Richard Wagner, dirigée par Richard Blareu
Editions musicales Mondial Music

User Reviews

Very strong political drama

This movie is a very strong political drama about an aging president who loves to take risks. He is very clever man, but he's alone at the top. He wants to create a United Europe, but every French politician is against him. I'm a big fan of Jean Gabin. He's always fabulous, even in bad movies. He was great when he was young, and great when he was older, like in this one. For me, he's one of the ten best movie actors of all time. This film had very strong dialogues. It deserves a 8 out of 10.