-"Pars François...fais ce que tu as à faire;je m'occupe du ménage"
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Roger Pigaut was first an actor.His most memorable part was in Autant-Lara's "Douce" (1942).But he is probably best remembered for his D'Escrainville villain's part in the 2 final episodes of the Angélique saga.He had made two films before ,one of them -which has got a rather good reputation- was "Le Cerf -Volant du Bout du Monde" probably influenced by previous works by Albert Lamorisse ("le Ballon Rouge" "le Voyage en Ballon" )
"Comptes à rebours" is the umpteenth story of the man who has just been released from jail and who wants to take revenge on his accomplices who betrayed him (only one of them did it actually,but as he does not know who...) The interest lies in the cast, a real who's who of the actors of the era :Serge Reggiani as the lead,Michel Bouquet,Simone Signoret,Jeanne Moreau,Charles Vanel...
pretty cool and passionate french crime movie of the early 70s. the hero is a bit clumsy but that's what makes him so convincing. and simone signoret is great as ever (nearly as good as in her best ever les granges brulees). but what i like most is the atmosphere between people. if you like movies about loyalty, love and trust, you're right with this completely convincing crime-tragedy.
