COVERUP

For more than 25 years Philippe Labro has maintained a triple career as a journalist, novelist and filmmaker. “L'Heritier” (1973) and “Le Hasard et la Violence” (1974) are among his most popular films of the last decade, and all Paris lined up at the box office as soon as LA CRIME opened. LA CRIME begins as a celebrated attorney is murdered in broad daylight during a Supreme Court hearing in Paris' Palais de Justice. No one is willing to talk about it and the case seems destined to be swept under the rug. A coverup is in full swing until police chief Griffon (Claude Brasseur) of the “La Crime” division takes over the investigation. Brasseur is forceful and biting as Griffon, full of little idiosyncrasies a la Peter Falk's Columbo. Determined to crack a case soon compounded by further attacks, Griffon ignores his superior's orders to “make no waves.” He harasses everyone, including the murdered man's gorgeous mistress (Dayle Haddon) and powerful business and government high-ups as he exposes conspiracy and corruption. Hot new star Gabrielle Lazure is the tough reporter who aids Griffon despite their mutual hostility which, of course, turns to love. Brialy and Trintignant score in offbeat roles in this glossy thriller in the best tradition of the French policier genre. -USA Premiere-