Director George Lautner was mostly a comedy provider, except this one and LE PACHA, for the rest, the atmosphere is rather fun, full of punch lines from Michel Audiard's terrific writing style. Here, the plot is absolutely outstanding, jaw dropping, so brilliant that it's impossible not to like it. The deep, accurate analysis of a small town community after the crime committed by the lead Bernard Blier, and this from the early beginning. There is no mystery here, and that's even better, it makes the whole plot even more riveting, gripping, poignant. This film is an absolute masterpiece. There was a B American film directed by Sam Newfield in the forties and the next - and I suppose last - Clint Eastwood's film: THE JUROR, are also close to this very George Lautner's film, which looks like a Claude Chabrol's movie; analysis, study of a small town community. And I won't even speak of the possible TWELVE ANGRY MEN (Sidney Lumet) tribute to.