Les vieux loups bénissent la mort

Venturi was once the king of the Pigalle underworld. Today, he lives in retirement with his wife, in an estate near Chantilly. He still receives the takings from a few hôtels de passe and cabarets, enabling him to subsist without financial worries. But a gang of young hoodlums follows in his footsteps, committing robberies and picking fights in the establishments controlled by Venturi. His faithful companion Cristiani is murdered, as is his wife Germaine. Venturi is determined to take revenge.

Directed by Pierre Kalfon, Les vieux loups bénissent la mort leans on a strong ensemble — Victor Guyau, Jérôme Kaminsky, Annie Kerani — 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 adventure titles of 1971.