The Suspects

In the south of France, the body of a 22-year-old American tourist, Candice Strasberg, is discovered in the middle of the scrubland. Two days of rain prior to the discovery of the body made it difficult to collect evidence at the scene, as the rain had washed away the footprints. Using the victim’s diary, the police are attempting to piece together her movements. The investigation is entrusted to Gaston Delarue, the public prosecutor of Tarascon; Gérard Souffries, the investigating judge; Commissioner Bonetti of the Marseille police; and Divisional Commissioner Bretonnet of the Paris police. Among the six suspects is Bernard Vauquier, the son of the President of the Senate. The investigation proves to be as complicated as it is sensitive. But who murdered or killed Candice Strasberg? Screenplay adapted from ‘La Pieuvre’, a novel by Paul Andreota, published in 1970.

Directed by Michel Wyn, The Suspects leans on a strong ensemble — Mimsy Farmer, Paul Meurisse, Michel Bouquet — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about crime titles of 1974.