A structural breakdown of the film's development, filming, scoring, and theatrical distribution based on available production records.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Financing & Development
French and Belgian production companies pool resources to fund the project. The budget is set at 630,000 francs with a 70/30 split between Paris and Brussels entities.
Key Events
French-Belgian Co-Production Setup — Balzac Films and Belgian partners finance the film with a 630,000 franc budget. Location: Paris, Brussels
Rapid Production Phase
Director Jean-Pierre Mocky steps into the lead role as Vincent Cabral. The cast films across multiple French and Belgian cities in a tight 24-day schedule.
Key Events
24-Day Filming Schedule — Director Jean-Pierre Mocky leads the cast in a rapid 24-day shoot in April 1969. Characters: Vincent CabralLocation: Paris, Brussels, Reims, Arras
Musical Score Composition — Friend Georges Moustaki composes the film's music, replacing earlier plans for Les Dragueurs. Location: Studio
Post-Production & Scoring
Georges Moustaki finalizes the musical score. The film remains unreleased while Mocky takes on another directorial project to ensure market visibility.
Key Events
Musical Score Composition — Friend Georges Moustaki composes the film's music, replacing earlier plans for Les Dragueurs. Location: Studio
Release & Legacy
Solo debuts in France in February 1970, achieving moderate box office success. Future plans include a 2026 Blu-ray restoration by Radiance Films.
Key Events
Theatrical Release & Reception — Film releases on February 27, 1970, drawing 660,000 spectators and later slated for 2026 Blu-ray. Location: France
Story Breakdown
Financing Structure — Cross-border funding model between French and Belgian studios.
Paris Investment — Balzac Films provides 70% of the budget.
Belgian Backing — Société Nouvelle Ciné Vog covers 30%.
Filming Execution — Rapid production schedule across multiple European cities.
Director Lead Role — Jean-Pierre Mocky stars as Vincent Cabral.
Location Shooting — Filmed in Paris, Brussels, Reims, and Arras.
Musical Composition — Collaboration with Greek-French musician Georges Moustaki.
Score Development — Moustaki adapts his style for Mocky's debut polar.
Previous Project Link — Originally intended for Les Dragueurs (1959).
Release Strategy — Delayed launch and cross-promotion with another film.
Delayed Premiere — Unreleased until 1970 to align with L'Étalon.
Theatrical Debut — Released in France on February 27, 1970.
Audience Reception — Box office performance compared to contemporaries.
Spectator Count — 660,000 viewers in France.
Comparative Performance — Lower turnout than L'Étalon's 1.3 million.
Legacy & Restoration — Long-term archival and home media plans.
Blu-ray Announcement — Scheduled for June 2026 release.
Publisher — Radiance Films handles the restoration.
During an orgy, Some old and wealthy notables are being murdered by a small group of leftist young revolutionaries. Very soon the police are tracking down Virgile Cabral, the leader of the group. Meanwhile, Virgile's brother and only relative, Vincent, a violinist (and a thief), comes back to Paris. They have not seen each other for three years. Vincent does not believe in the revolution. He only tries to live as he wishes to live. But by looking for his hunted down brother, he has no other choice than to be involved in a fight that is not his.
