The cop drama has been a staple of both television and film for decades. Paris Police 1900 takes this concept to (very) early 20th century Paris. It covers all classes of people, and throws you into a world of corruption and murder.
Things get underway quickly. The President of France visits sex worker Madame Meg Steinheil (Evelyne Brochu). He then proceeds to drop dead. Meanwhile, a torso in a suitcase is found lazily idling down the Seine. The new Prime Minister orders retired police commissioner Louis Lepine (Marc Barbe) to return and restore peace. However, corruption is rampant, most notably with high-ranking Puybarand (Patrick d’Assumcao).
The series takes place during a real point in history: La Belle Epoque (The Golden Age). France from 1871-1914 gave us the version of its capital city we know today, and the series uses this historical period to great effect as the action unfolds. The series itself relies heavily on drama, yet there’s a lot more going on. Intrigue, backstabbing, the ever-present threat of violence are all intertwining themes. There’s also authenticity, as real-life people play characters as well.
This isn’t to say that one must be a history nerd to enjoy the film (it certainly doesn’t hurt, however, and a basic understanding of The Dreyfus Affair may help viewers understand the action). There’s enough gore, crime, and intrigue to keep any patron satisfied. If you are a public librarian, this will work for aficionados of true crime and drama, and work for a screening of early 20th-century pieces.