Cop au Vin

Grotesque murders in a small provincial town; huge meals; a scourging of the bourgeoisie. Where could this be but Chabrol country? The young postboy is investigating the local cartel's murderous business schemes, with the help of his crippled mother (an increasingly uglified Audran) and his girl-friend. But he is no match for the out-of-town cop (poulet) wonderfully played by Poiret as an omniscient, genial fellow who transforms into a roughhouse two-fister when occasion demands. And it is all done with the skittishness which Chabrol brings to this kind of policier, but given edge by his very mocking eye. CPea.