Two Men in Town

Filmmaker José Giovanni's 1973 film remains a powerful indictment of the French justice system, in spite of revelations about the writer-director's unsavory past as a Fascist collaborator whose crimes once put him on death row. Alain Delon stars as Gino, who is released from prison through the efforts of dedicated social worker Germaine (Jean Gabin). Gino's old gang tries to entice him to rejoin them but he refuses, wanting to go straight and settle down with a charming girlfriend who supported him throughout his incarceration. Unfortunately, her death in a car crash sends Gino into an emotional tailspin, while the police inspector (Michel Bouquet) who put Gino behind bars proves to be a modern-day Javert, resorting to extra-legal tactics in an effort to secure evidence that would send Gino back to jail. The policeman's harassment of Gino's new girlfriend results in a tragedy that puts Gino on trial for his life. Two Men in Town was obviously a cinematic plea for the abolition of the death penalty in France—a change that occurred in 1981—and it makes its case effectively, with Delon and Gabin both turning in strong performances as a man struggling to escape his criminal past and an enlightened counselor trying to help him. Presented with an audio commentary by Gabin biographer Charles Zigman, this is recommended. (F. Swietek)