Philippe Gerbier is the head of a French Resistance cell and the central figure of the story. After escaping arrest and killing a guard, he helps eliminate a traitor, coordinates missions with Félix Lepercq, Claude Ullman, Guillaume Vermesch, and Mathilde, and repeatedly risks capture. He eventually escapes execution but later decides not to run.
Le Commissaire Cherrier is the investigating officer who handles the photographic evidence. At the motel laboratory, he shows Florence Carala the developed pictures of Florence and Julien Tavernier and explains that the images implicate them. He also tells Florence that she will probably receive a harsher sentence than Julien, directly confronting her with the consequences of the murder plot.
Leads the police investigation into the double rape-murder case. Interrogates suspect Jérôme Martinaud for hours, gradually applying pressure to break his alibi and extract a confession.
Tiercelin is a restaurant owner or operator whose activities extend into clandestine dealings during the occupation. He is connected with Dominique and Paul Tiercelin, becomes involved in the failed champagne shipment, and serves as the channel through which Antoine Michaud’s family tries to warn him that he must remain hidden.
The protagonist, a fugitive Italian gangster returning to France after his funds run low. He attempts to reconnect with his old gang for help, but faces betrayal. His actions lead to multiple deaths, including his wife's, and he ultimately plans a final robbery before being arrested and executed.
François is a French businessman trying to close an important deal with an American businessman. When his business partner asks him to arrange a sexual encounter with a woman who works for François, he must decide whether to comply, placing a personal and ethical dilemma at the center of their business meeting.
A local drug kingpin and rival gangster. He desires Josy and learns of Max's gold score through her. He kidnaps Riton to extort the gold and is killed in a violent car chase and shootout after his car is set ablaze.
An ex-gangster who runs a plant-hire business in Montauban. He becomes head of a criminal organisation and guardian of a teenage girl, survives repeated assassination attempts, defeats a rival faction, and gives her away at her wedding.
Jean Douléan is the father of Isabelle and husband of Hélène. His disapproval of his teenage daughter's affair with the older Marc Morillon boils over when he slaps her in public, and that single gesture sets the father-daughter conflict in motion.
Géo Paquet, identified in the cast as “le gorille,” is the film’s central title figure and presumed narrative lead. The supplied material provides no specific account of his actions, objectives, or relationships with the other listed characters beyond establishing his primary billing.
A respected gangster who escapes prison and returns to Simone, aka 'Manouche', before joining Paul Ricci's platinum heist. After being falsely portrayed as an informer, he escapes custody, kills Inspector Fardiano, clears his name, and dies fighting Paul Ricci's enemies and the police.
A highly competent and energetic police inspector transferred to a minor station after a false complaint. He is recruited back into a special crime unit to track down a key witness, demonstrating relentless investigative skills and physical resilience despite being severely beaten by criminals.
Lino Ventura has 96 screen credits in a career dating back to 1954. Their work spans 4 cinematic universes — most prominently Mistress of the World Collection with 2 titles. Signature works include Army of Shadows, The Inquisitor, The Beast Is Loose. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.
Universe traveler — spans 4 universes
Related entry on Wikidata (Q337260), public domain (CC0).
